Former Iowa Hawkeye Geno Stone Fighting for Roster Spot with Buffalo Bills
Former Iowa Hawkeye standout Geno Stone is facing an uphill battle to make the Buffalo Bills' 53-man roster this season, despite a career year in tackles with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025. The veteran safety signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with Buffalo in March, but his path to playing time is crowded with younger talent and established starters.
Stone's 2025 Season: A Mixed Bag
Stone, who played two seasons with the Bengals after starting his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, set a career high with 104 tackles in 2025. He also recorded his first two career sacks, intercepted two passes, and broke up four passes. He started all 17 games for the second straight year and played in every game for the fourth consecutive season.
But the numbers also reveal a weakness. Pro Football Reference credited Stone with a team-leading 26 missed tackles in 2025, matching the total missed tackles by Buffalo's top five safeties combined. He also allowed a career-worst 106.6 quarterback rating when targeted, giving up four touchdowns and 469 yards through the air.
Bills Safety Room Is Crowded
Stone is one of six safeties on Buffalo's current roster. C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Cole Bishop are expected to start, with Jalen Kilgore, Wande Owens, and Damar Hamlin also competing for spots. The Bills also have Sam Franklin Jr. and Jordan Hancock listed as defensive backs, but both have experience at safety.
Stone's best chance may be battling Hamlin for a fourth safety role that would likely be inactive on game days. However, the team could also cut both veterans and rely on younger players like Kilgore and Hancock as backups.
Financial Situation and Roster Math
Stone signed a one-year deal worth $1,402,500, with only $187,500 guaranteed as a signing bonus. His base salary of $1.215 million becomes fully guaranteed only if he makes the Week One roster. If released before the season, Buffalo would carry just the signing bonus as dead cap money.
The veteran's salary benefit keeps his cap hit at a manageable $1,262,500 if he makes the team, making him a relatively cheap option for depth.
What It Means for Iowa Fans
For Iowa Hawkeye fans, Stone's situation is a reminder of the tough competition in the NFL. The 27-year-old (turning 28 in April 2027) was a seventh-round pick by the Ravens in 2020 and has carved out a solid career. But after a 2023 season where he intercepted seven passes, his 2025 performance raised questions about his consistency.
New Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is implementing a more aggressive scheme, which could favor younger, more athletic players like Kilgore. Stone will need a strong training camp and preseason to prove he still belongs.
What Experts Are Saying
Analysts see Stone as likely veteran insurance for the summer, with a tough road to the final roster. One evaluation noted,
It's going to take a strong summer for Stone to show that he belongs on the roster. We are a long way from his seven-interception 2023 campaign.
Stone's experience and durability (he has played in all 17 games for four straight years) could still give him an edge. But the Bills are clearly building for the future, and Stone may be on the outside looking in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Geno Stone make the Buffalo Bills roster?
It is uncertain. Stone faces strong competition from younger players and established starters. His best chance is likely as a fourth safety who would be inactive on game days, but the Bills may opt for youth instead.
What is Geno Stone's contract with the Bills?
Stone signed a one-year deal worth $1,402,500, with $187,500 guaranteed. His base salary becomes fully guaranteed only if he makes the Week One roster.
How did Geno Stone perform in 2025?
Stone set a career high with 104 tackles and recorded his first two career sacks. However, he also led the Bengals with 26 missed tackles and allowed a career-worst 106.6 quarterback rating in coverage.
Looking Ahead
Stone's future with the Bills will be decided over the next few weeks as training camp and preseason games unfold. For a player who has consistently proven he can stay on the field, the question is whether his production will match his durability. Iowa fans will be watching closely.