He posted a picture of him in a Bengals uniform <\/a>with the deuces emoji. <\/p>\n This should come as no surprise to anyone as Stone\u2019s performance on the field was consistently unimpressive from poor tackling, and busts in coverage, though missing tackles is undeniably what Stone became known for with fans as he routinely gave up additional yardage on plays that had no business going as well as they did for opposing teams.<\/p>\n When the team signed Stone in 2024, they thought they were getting an ascending player that could help make up for the loss of Jessie Bates. While Stone has flashed his potential at times, he’s been far too inconsistent to be in the Bengals’ future plans. <\/p>\n What Will They Do At Safety?<\/p>\n Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n The Bengals can address safety in multiple different ways this offseason. There are a bunch of free agents that will be available, including Kam Curl, Bryan Cook and Jaquan Brisker. <\/p>\n They could sign a veteran. They also may use the 10th overall pick on a safety. If former Ohio State star Caleb Downs is available<\/a> when they’re on the clock in the first round, he’ll certainly garner consideration. <\/p>\n Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman is one of many draftable<\/a> safeties that could be available on day two of the draft. <\/p>\n Bottom Line<\/p>\n Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) fires up the crowd after a penalty call against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n The Bengals need to be better at safety. They know it. Stone knows it. Fans know it. <\/p>\n Taking a swing on Stone made sense at the time. They need to do it again in free agency. There are plenty of proven veterans that they could sign in free agency, while also adding to the room in the draft. <\/p>\n That’s how they could turn a major weakness into a strength in 2026.<\/p>\n Sign UP For Our DAILY Newsletter for MORE FREE Coverage of the Cincinnati Bengals Delivered to YOU Directly<\/a><\/p>\n For more on the Bengals,\u00a0subscribe to our YouTube Channel<\/a> and be sure to check us out on your favorite audio platforms, including Apple Podcasts<\/a>, Spotify<\/a>, iHeartRadio<\/a> and Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n Make sure you\u00a0bookmark BengalsTalk.com\u00a0for the latest Bengals news<\/a>, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more! We’re a one-stop shop for all things Cincinnati Bengals!<\/p>\n —–<\/p>\n Join the\u00a063,000+ Bengals fans that subscribe to us on YouTube.<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Twitter\/X:\u00a0@BengalsTalkSI<\/a><\/p>\n Join the 115,000+ Bengals Fans That Have Liked Our Facebook Page<\/a><\/p>\n Subscribe and follow the Locked On Bengals Podcast: the ONLY Daily Bengals Podcast<\/a><\/p>\n Join the 49,000+ Bengals Fans That Follow Us on TikTok<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Caleb](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/01kfrby3mcj9tdcma3cx.jpg\" "\\"Caleb")
<\/p>\n![\"Jaquan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/01kfrc53j2h2dtdkxa7b.jpg\" "\\"Jaquan")
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