The Cincinnati Bengals had a disappointing season as they had their worst record since the 2020 season. Of course, one of the big reasons the team failed to meet expectations was the extended absence of starting quarterback Joe Burrow, who suffered a turf toe injury. Additionally, they struggled defensively, All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who only played in seven games this season.
The Bengals’ defense was the primary reason for their downfall this season. They were the third-worst scoring defense in the NFL. Despite having a top-10 offense, Cincinnati only won six games. Improving their defense is Duke Tobin’s primary task this offseason. However, it won’t be easy as several key defenders seem to be on their way out of Cincinnati.
Bengals Player Sends Message Amid Free Agency
One of those players who seems to be on his way out is safety Geno Stone. The Bengals’ starting defensive back posted on X a peace sign emoji with a picture of him wearing the Bengals uniform, likely signaling his departure from Cincinnati. Since signing a two-year deal worth $14 million before the 2024 season, Stone has started 34 games for the Bengals. His performance has been a mixed bag, as he has totaled six interceptions, but has not helped Cincinnati’s defense improve.
In 2024, Pro Football Focus ranked him 83rd out of 97 qualified strong safeties. In 2025, PFF once again graded him poorly as they ranked him 81st out of 98 qualified safeties. Despite this, his experience as a veteran player does provide value. ESPN shared a different opinion than PFF on his play, as they said Stone, “deserves due credit for helping fix the defense at the end of the season.” In his two-year tenure, he started every game for two defensive coordinators.
The Bengals could hope he’d return to his 2023 form in Baltimore if he were to remain on the same defensive scheme for more than one season. With the Ravens, Stone graded as a top 25 safety in the NFL and a top 10 safety in pass coverage. However, everything seems to suggest the Bengals and Stone will go their separate ways after two seasons.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Upcoming Free Agents
Regarding the offseason, ESPN stated that the Bengals’ top priority is improving their pass rush. They said, “Cincinnati’s young pass rushers showed promise at the end of the season, but they still finished last in pass rush win rate over the year. Recreating the magic of 2021, when Cincinnati added Larry Ogunjobi as an interior pass rusher, could be critical to improving the defense.” Writer Aaron Schatz predicted that the Bengals would sign several pass rushers, including Pro Bowl edge Joey Bosa.
They will likely need to sign a pass-rusher as it seems All-Pro Trey Hendrickson will depart in free agency. Regarding Hendrickson’s impending free agency, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote, “This relationship has run its course. The Bengals have the option to franchise-tag Hendrickson, but after a year of contentious contract negotiations, the edge rusher appears poised to land elsewhere and capitalize on a booming positional market.”
Bengals Player Hints at Departure Amid Free Agency