The dream of signing safety Earl Thomas was crushed earlier this month and the Dallas Cowboys have finally settled on free agent safety George Iloka as a consolation prize. Last season, the Cowboys had an opportunity to bring in Iloka along with several other free agent safeties who went unsigned prior to the 2018 season but they held back, likely hoping to acquire Thomas at some point. Now that Thomas is out of the picture, the Cowboys welcomed Iloka to the team with open arms.
Iloka will play with the Cowboys on a one year deal and will address a significant need in the secondary prior to the draft. The Cowboys front office is holding true to their philosophy of bargain hunting in free agency and building their team through the draft. The recent signings of WR Randall Cobb and safety George Iloka may lead fans to believe otherwise. That is because these players carry some significant name recognition, Cobb being a former Pro Bowler and Iloka a legitimate starting safety during his time with the Bengals. In reality, the Dallas Cowboys front office was able to secure their services at an affordable price with no long term commitment. The same is true in respect to bringing back Jason Witten.
The Dallas Cowboys have addressed their needs at safety, wide receiver, and tight end. They have also made some low key moves on the defensive line, which is perhaps their greatest need. Does this mean that they will change their approach in the draft? Of course not! These short term deals do not address those glaring draft day needs. Neither does the draft help Jason Garrett keep his job after this season. The Cowboys are simply trying to improve as best they can this year, while putting themselves in a position to draft the best players available without having to reach at positions of dire need.
The signing of safety George Iloka was a necessary move for the Dallas Cowboys. It was however not the answer to their prayers at the safety spot. The possibility that the Cowboys draft a young safety to pair with rising star Xavier Woods with the 58th pick in the draft is still as likely as it ever was.
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