I was surprised when I heard that Cincy had released Iloka, which immediately makes me wonder what they know that we don't. However, it sounds like there were a couple factors at play:
- He had a high cap number.
- Bengals are switching schemes under Teryl Austin. Giant safeties seem to be something that work better for Zimmer than other DCs.
- Bengals drafted Justin Reid in the 2nd.
- Iloka switched to FS last season and struggled without Reggie Nelson next to him, since both Iloka and Williams were more SS.
- Possible political issues with Mike Brown, but this seems to be down the list.
The good things about adding Iloka for Minnesota are:
- He already knows the system.
- He would be paired with an excellent safety in Smith.
- Sendejo has played more of a SS role, so if they switch him out for Iloka, then it doesn't change that dynamic.
- He has a high degree of respect for Zimmer.
- If we move on from Sendejo, then that frees up $3-4 million in cap.
- He was playing well during the preseason, so it doesn't sound like a case of him declining physically.
- He will have a much stronger supporting cast entering their 4th year in the system.
I'll be interested to see how this works out. Also, what is going to happen with guys like Sendejo and Kearse? Does Sendejo get cut or traded to free up money to address OL or LB needs? Do we hold onto Sendejo, since our safeties have been banged up in recent years? Is Kearse on the outside looking in? He's been a great special teamer, but it doesn't seem like he's taken the next step up at safety. What about Ant Harris who has developed into a very solid backup safety. He'll make the roster, but does his role diminish?
