The Dallas Cowboys aren’t the only team that has its eyes on former Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka. The Oakland Raiders also plan to make a run at the recently released veteran, per Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
As Gehlken notes, Iloka would be reunited with new Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who is intimately familiar with the veteran. Guenther worked with the safety as the Bengals’ DC from 2014-17.
Iloka spent six seasons with the Bengals, five of which as the team’s ever-present starter at safety. He played and started 76 out of a possible 80 games during that five-year stretch, recording nine tackles and 346 total tackles.
Although, there are some question marks as to whether Iloka can still play at a high level. The Bengals reportedly weren’t satisfied with his showing last season, so much so that they explored other safety options this offseason.
The Raiders currently have another former Bengal in Reggie Nelson as their starting free safety. Nelson played nearly 99 percent of the team’s defensive snaps last season. However, he’s about to turn 35 years old, so the Raiders may look to find another safety who can lighten the load. The Raiders have also brought in veteran Marcus Gilchrist in free agency this offseason.
But as Gehlken also points out, finances will play a part in dictating whether Iloka eventually ends up with the Raiders.
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