Ravens waive rookie S Geno Stone

On Thursday afternoon, the Ravens announced a surprise roster move: the releasing of rookie Geno Stone.

Stone was selected by the Ravens in the seventh round of this year’s draft with the team’s final selection. Stone, a safety, played three seasons at Iowa and recorded career totals of 126 interceptions and six interceptions, but had been a healthy scratch in all four games this season.

Many viewed Stone as a potential draft-day steal given the instincts and ball skills he displayed at the college level, but there was a limited path to playing time for him in Baltimore this year. Even after the departure of Earl Thomas III, Stone was stuck behind Chuck Clark, DeShon Elliott, and Anthony Levine Sr. on the depth chart.

Stone is the first and only player thus far from the Ravens 2020 rookie class to be released. It’s possible that the Ravens could seek to bring him back into the fold in the future via the practice squad, but that will remain to be seen. There’s also a chance that Stone is pursued and scooped up by another organization.

The abrupt decision to part ways with a young player like Stone may signal that another corresponding acquisition or transaction is on the horizon.

Stay tuned for any developments forthcoming and be sure to share your thoughts below!