The Baltimore Ravens have had a strong overall offseason up to this point. Their coaching changes are expected to have a very positive impact in 2026, and they got themselves a star to fill their most pressing need, signing edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year contract.
Along the way, the Ravens have lost several impact pieces. New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh has taken many players with him to the Big Apple, and others have signed elsewhere for more money and bigger opportunities than they would’ve had in Baltimore. Rivals are also making moves on former Baltimore playmakers.
The Buffalo Bills have been a heated AFC rival over the past few years. On Friday, Buffalo added former Ravens safety Geno Stone, who adds a second Baltimore rival to his journey since departing in 2024. He was previously a starter for the Cincinnati Bengals for two years.
Baltimore Ravens’ Geno Stone rivalry will continue with Buffalo Bills
Stone was one of many talented free agents whom the Ravens had to relinquish in the 2024 offseason. After a breakout season with seven interceptions, he deserved a nice payday. Unfortunately, he stayed in the AFC North, joining the Bengals on a two-year, $14 million deal. Now, he joins a more competitive rival in the Bills, inking a one-year contract this offseason.
Stone’s time in Cincinnati didn’t go as he had planned. While his ability to force turnovers remained a major part of his game, snatching six interceptions over two seasons, it was his play as a tackler that caused issues. His missed tackle rate got even worse than already troubling numbers in Baltimore. In 2025, he was fifth in missed tackles with 23, per Pro Football Focus, and it was clearly time for a mutual departure.
There’s never been any animosity between Baltimore and Stone. The 26-year-old grew into a fan favorite during his 2023 campaign, and his success story as a seventh-round pick was extremely impressive. However, he’s accidentally carved out a post-Baltimore rivalry tour for himself, and Ravens fans will have to continue to have to root against him.
The Bills and Ravens don’t match up against each other during the 2026 regular season, but with both teams being in the midst of a championship window, another playoff duel could be in the cards. If that happens this upcoming season, Stone will do battle with Baltimore for the fifth time in three years.
It’s great to see Stone get a chance to get back on track with a change of scenery, as well as see an opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl. However, Ravens fans will selfishly hope those struggles continue in another rival’s secondary.