Commanders eye potential trade for Bengals’ Geno Stone
The Washington Commanders are making headlines as they approach the NFL trade deadline, with their sights set on Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone. The team is looking to bolster its secondary, and Stone has emerged as a notable target.
Geno Stone’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Since joining the Bengals on a two-year, $14 million contract, Stone’s performance has been a topic of discussion. Pro Football Focus analyst Bradley Locker highlighted that among safeties who have played over 1,000 snaps in the last two seasons, Stone ranks near the bottom with a 56.6 overall grade, placing him as the eighth-lowest in the league. This statistic raises questions about his impact on the field.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for Stone. This season, he has shown glimpses of improvement, particularly in run defense. He boasts a 76.2 PFF run-defense grade and a relatively low missed tackle rate of 7.7%. These metrics suggest that while his overall performance may have slipped, there are aspects of his game that could still be beneficial to a team like the Commanders.
Trade Talks Heat Up
As the Commanders prepare for the trade deadline, which is less than a month away, they are reportedly evaluating their options to enhance their defensive unit. The potential acquisition of Stone could provide a much-needed boost to a secondary that has faced challenges this season.
The Bengals, currently navigating their own struggles, may be inclined to consider a trade if they decide to shift focus for the remainder of the season. Given Stone’s contract, which carries a $16 million cap hit, the financial implications of such a trade would also be a crucial factor for both teams.
Looking Ahead
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Commanders are in a race against time to solidify their roster. The prospect of acquiring Geno Stone presents a tantalizing opportunity, but the team’s decision-makers will have to weigh the risks against potential rewards carefully. As discussions continue, all eyes will be on both franchises to see if a deal materializes that could reshape their respective seasons.
