Vikings somehow got George Iloka to sign for the veteran minimum

The Minnesota Vikings were able to convince the free-agent safety to sign a one-year deal with the team that is reportedly worth less than $1 million.

Not too long ago, the Minnesota Vikings struggled to land some of the top players available in free agency each offseason. But two division titles and an appearance in the NFC Championship during the last three years has done a lot to change the perception of the Vikings from the outside.

This offseason, Minnesota was able to sign the top free-agent quarterback in Kirk Cousins and the top free-agent defensive tackle in Sheldon Richardson. Both of these players signed with the Vikings because they feel this team gives them the best chance to win a championship in 2018.

In addition to Cousins and Richardson joining the roster this year, Minnesota was able to sign wide receiver Kendall Wright for just $1 million and also extend the contracts of Danielle Hunter, Eric Kendricks, and Stefon Diggs.

On Wednesday, the Vikings added another talented player to their team in safety George Iloka. Minnesota and Iloka reportedly agreed to a one-year deal that will pay him the veteran’s minimum of $790,000.

The former Cincinnati Bengals safety probably could have gone and signed elsewhere for more money and the chance to be a starter. But because of the Vikings’ commitment to winning this season and his connection to head coach Mike Zimmer, Iloka didn’t need much convincing to join Minnesota’s roster.

No one is too sure what the role of the Vikings’ new safety will be in 2018. Iloka did say he might play in Minnesota’s preseason game on Friday, so it’s possible that some of the Vikings’ future plans for him could be revealed during that matchup.

Whatever his role ends up being with the team, Minnesota just bolstered the depth of their safety group with the addition of Iloka and it barely cost them anything to do it.