Breaking: Ravens Closing In On Deal To Replace Geno Stone With $18.25 Million Pro-Bowl Safety
The Baltimore Ravens have a serious need for safety after Geno Stone signed the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024 NFL free agency. Justin Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowler, could help.
According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, the Ravens should consider adding Simmons to add depth to their roster. With Ar’Darius Washington shifting to a nickel corner role and Geno Stone joining the Bengals, the Ravens only have two safeties. Simmons can supply that, giving the team a starting option with 30 interceptions and 64 passes defended in his career.”
Simmons, a former Denver Broncos standout, might be more than just a depth player. He’s talented and flexible enough to play frequently under new defensive coordinator Zach Orr.
Establishing a regular share of snaps between Simmons, Kyle Hamilton, and Marcus Williams would maintain the three-safety package as a major aspect of the Baltimore defense.
Justin Simmons Might Be Upgrade Over Geno Stone
At his best, Simmons is a ball hawk who can dominate the deep third of the field. In 2022, he tied for first place in the league with six interceptions.
The final pick came in the end zone, denying Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Simmons still managed to record three interceptions during a disappointing year with the Broncos in 2023. Despite declining numbers, the 30-year-old still performed well in coverage, allowing only a 66.7 completion percentage, according to Pro Football Reference.
While he’s usually more of a factor on the back end, Simmons does have useful experience playing in the box. He blitzed six times last season, registering a sack and a pressure.
The Ravens love to send their safeties after quarterbacks, so Simmons’ skill-set would make it easier to replace Stone.
Geno Stone Filled Vital Role
Although Hamilton and Williams are the primary names on the depth chart, Stone played an important and unique role. Specifically, as a third safety who allowed the Ravens to use nickel personnel in base situations.
Stone’s presence on the field enabled Hamilton to play closer to the line of scrimmage. It also meant that the Baltimore defense had an extra man with a true nose for the ball to defend the throw.
Stone developed a particular expertise in this area. He caught seven passes, ranking second in the league behind Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland.
Stone’s Week 2 theft against Joe Burrow and the Bengals was among his best plays. Benjamin Solak of The Ringer provided a detailed explanation of Stone’s instinctual and football-savvy play.
Contributions like this one are how the Ravens received more than expected value with 2020 seventh-round selection pick Stone. Finding another steal in the late rounds of this year’s draft is one method for the Ravens to replace Stone while also strengthening the safety position.
Another option would be to provide a team-friendly contract to a proven commodity such as Simmons. According to Spotrac.com, General Manager Eric DeCosta still has $9,126,781 available under the salary ceiling.
That’s enough to sign Simmons, who’s good enough to defy his age and being released by the Broncos by proving he still has a lot left to offer.
