Former Bengals Safety George Iloka Visiting Vikings; Expected to Sign

Dec 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Cincinnati Bengals free safety George Iloka (43) puts on his shoulder pads before playing against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Photo Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Whoa. Free-agent safety George Iloka is on his way to Minnesota, and it appears likely he signs with the #Vikings today, per @RapSheet and me. Mike Zimmer connection from #Bengals days. One of the NFL’s best defenses about to get even better?

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 22, 2018

The Vikings are not screwing around. This account is the real Tom Pelissero.

The NFL world was shocked earlier this week when George Iloka was cut by the Cincinnati Bengals. The move was purely financial, as NFL.com notes in that link. Iloka started all 16 games last year for Cinci and 76 of a possible 82 since being drafted in the 5th round of the 2012 draft. He doesn’t jump off of the Pro Football Focus page, when it comes to their grading system but he is only 28 and last year was his best year by that standard.

Also referenced in that PFF article is the fact that Iloka has only allowed 7 TD’s compared to snagging 9 interceptions over his career.

Coming from Cincinnati, the relationship with Zimmer is obviously there and probably plays into this signing. The love Zimmer has from his former players (and current players) pays off again. Apparently others love Zim as much as I do. How can you not?

Now, most who have any knowledge of the Vikings and the NFL dreamed about Iloka in purple, when he was released by the Bengals. But, all we keep on hearing about is the lack of $$$ the Vikings have available. The money aspect of this situation is quite interesting. The Vikings actually have money to spend right now. But, starting in 2019, things get VERY tight… So, does Iloka sign a 1-year deal or something similar?

Or, is this a sign that talks with Anthony Barr have cooled???????????? I have no inside info. Just something to chew on while we wait for the details of this “hopeful” signing to come out.

**UPDATE**

Iloka has picked the number of 28, which will call even more attention to Adrian Peterson, around these parts, after he signed with Washington on Monday. It’s also come out that Iloka will play on a 1-year deal but the $$$ amount is still unknown. I’ll be back as soon as that number comes out

Eric Strack
Minnesota Sports Fan @RealMNSportsFan