George Iloka is reportedly receiving serious free agent interest from the Minnesota Vikings as well as several other teams.
Will the Minnesota Vikings make a big splash and sign a free agent safety to line up alongside Harrison Smith? Perhaps.
If the Vikings do go after a safety, a lot of fans hope it turns out to be George Iloka. The 25-year-old Iloka played for Mike Zimmer in Cincinnati and could be on the verge of becoming a big star.
Iloka said in a recent interview that he would “love” to play for Mike Zimmer again, but is the affection mutual?
All indications are that the Vikings do have an interest in pursuing Iloka. Cincinnati Enquirer beat reporter Jim Owczarski listed Minnesota among several teams that appear to be in on Iloka.
The Detroit Lions have previously been mentioned as a possible suitor for Iloka. That list implies that if the Vikings do wish to land Iloka, they will have to outbid multiple other teams.
Rick Spielman as we know is not the type of guy to get into a big bidding war for a free agent, so you have to wonder how long he will be willing to stay in on Iloka.
If the Vikings can’t land Iloka, they could turn to one of a number of other free agent safeties. Possible targets include Reggie Nelson, Tashaun Gipson, Husain Abdullah, David Bruton and Rashad Johnson.
Next: Sendejo not making starter money
This weekend, the Vikings locked down potential free agent safety Andrew Sendejo by giving him a new deal worth a reported $16 million over four years.
The Vikings also are looking at giving Harrison Smith a lucrative new contract extension.
The Vikings it is widely believed will allow free agent safety Robert Blanton to walk.