The Dallas Cowboys could be without starting safety Xavier Woods for their season opener against the Carolina Panthers due to a hamstring injury. And given their lack of depth at the position, they are thinking about bringing in another safety for added insurance — but it’s not Earl Thomas.
According to Jane Slater of NFL Network, the team is considering taking a look at veteran George Iloka, who has recently released by the Cincinnati Bengals.
As Slater notes, Iloka is a Boise State alumnus. The Cowboys currently have three other former Broncos on their defense — DeMarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, and rookie Leighton Vander Esch.
Iloka, 28, spent six seasons in Cincinnati and was a major part of the Bengals’ defense for the last five years. He played and started in 76 out of a possible 80 games during that time, recording nine interceptions and 346 total tackles.
But while Iloka’s release was primarily financially motivated, Katherine Terrell of ESPN notes that the Bengals weren’t completely satisfied with the safety’s performance last season. That was why they explored free-agent options and also drafted a young safety in the second round.
With the Cowboys’ current injury concerns at the position — apart from Woods, Jeff Heath and Kavon Frazier are also banged up — it wouldn’t hurt if they took a look at their options if Woods isn’t able to go for Week 1.
Although trading for Thomas would be a dream scenario, it seems more likely that the Cowboys turn to a much cheaper option in free agency like Iloka.
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