As the 2025 NFL season creeps closer, the Cincinnati Bengals have officially returned to work. With offseason workouts underway and training camp on the horizon, roster decisions are taking center stage—and one move, in particular, is raising eyebrows across the Queen City.
Last week, the Bengals made a surprising financial maneuver by announcing that veteran safety Geno Stone had agreed to a pay cut heading into his second season with the team. Originally scheduled to earn $6.5 million in 2025, Stone’s adjusted salary now sits at $4.9 million.
At first glance, such a move might signal the team’s intention to free up cap space for a bigger transaction—perhaps an extension for Trey Hendrickson, one of the team’s cornerstone defenders. But as of now, no such deal appears imminent.
The more puzzling aspect of this pay cut, however, is the lack of clarity surrounding it. According to reports, Stone was never informed why the Bengals were asking for the reduction in salary, nor was he told how the savings would be used.
From Stone’s perspective, the decision wasn’t just about money. Coming off a solid first year in Cincinnati, there was uncertainty about his future with the team. The pay cut might have been the price of staying on the roster, especially in a competitive secondary.
While it’s not uncommon for teams to restructure contracts to create financial flexibility, doing so without transparency can lead to frustration—especially when the player involved is a proven contributor and respected veteran.
For Bengals fans and analysts alike, this situation has raised questions: Are the Bengals stockpiling cap space for a splash move? Or are they simply trying to gain financial wiggle room for injuries and depth as the season progresses?
In the short term, the move gives Cincinnati roughly $1.6 million more in cap space. But if that money isn’t immediately reallocated toward retaining Hendrickson, Joe Burrow’s long-term protection, or adding veteran depth, it might be viewed as a missed opportunity—or worse, a red flag.
Hendrickson, who has been one of the Bengals’ most impactful players since arriving in 2021, has made it clear he wants long-term security. If Cincinnati doesn’t extend him, he could test the market in the near future, leaving a major hole on the defensive line.
The Bengals have long been known for their measured, patient approach to team building, but this offseason feels like a tipping point. After back-to-back playoff disappointments and key roster changes, fans are eager for clarity and progress.
For now, all eyes remain on the front office. Will they use this newfound cap space to fortify the roster? Or will the decision to cut Stone’s pay stand alone—an unexplained move in a pivotal offseason?
Until answers emerge, Bengals fans are left with speculation and a lingering question: What’s the plan in Cincinnati?