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Dallas Cowboys: 5 Safety targets in 2019 free agency

By Randy Gurzi

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants celebrates after breaking up a pass against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Landon Collins #21 of the New York Giants celebrates after breaking up a pass against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: George Iloka #23 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after making a tackle in the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: George Iloka #23 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after making a tackle in the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

4. George Iloka, Minnesota Vikings

One of the things about the defense run by Dallas is that the strong safety and free safety positions are interchangeable. Each one plays more of a coverage role, so a player like George Iloka, who is currently listed as a free safety but has played both spots, could come in and play either position the Cowboys see fit.

In fact, there were even rumors that Dallas was interested in Iloka this season when he unexpectedly became available after the Cincinnati Bengals cut him. Being a Texas native was one tie between Iloka and the Cowboys, another was the fact Iloka played at Boise State.

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The Cowboys have been fans of the Boise State system with players like Tyrone Crawford, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Leighton Vander Esch all being from that school. They also had Orlando Scandrick for years, who was another Broncos product.

Dallas and Iloka never connected though, as he inked a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. So far, that deal hasn’t worked out for him as he’s got the least amount of snaps out of all Minnesota safeties according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

With his lack of playing time this season, Iloka could end up being the most affordable option in free agency for Dallas this offseason. He could also provide a player more adept at getting interceptions than the players Dallas currently has. In his seven-year career, Iloka has nine picks and has twice had three in a single season.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.

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