Bengals to release veteran safety George Iloka

CINCINNATI -- The Bengals have released veteran safety George Iloka, a source told ESPN. Iloka confirmed his release on his Twitter account on Sunday.

A league source said Iloka was stunned by the move, which he was told was for financial reasons. Iloka, a 2012 fifth-round pick out of Boise State, has been the Bengals' starting safety since 2013 and had three seasons remaining on his contract.

He was set to count $6.2 million against the salary cap this season. The Bengals will save $5.6 million against the cap with the move because Iloka was released after June 1.

Although the move seemed like a stunner because the Bengals tend to let their veterans play out their contracts, it became clear after last season that the team would like to keep its options open. A team source said they weren't happy with Iloka's play in 2017 and the Bengals went hard after free agent Kurt Coleman after the Panthers released him on Feb. 26.

The Bengals met with Coleman and his representatives at the NFL scouting combine that week and made him a competitive offer. When Coleman ultimately signed with the Saints, it seemed possible that the Bengals were content to stick with Iloka for another season.

However, it was not a good sign for Iloka when the Bengals drafted free-agent safety Jessie Bates out of Wake Forest in the second round this year. The Bengals subbed in Bates with the first team during their first two preseason games and were swapping him in and out with Iloka while the starters were still on the field against the Cowboys on Saturday.

Related Stories

Source: Bengals Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson requests trade

• Apr 24, 5:49 PM

Bengals' Trey Hendrickson, seeking long-term deal, requests trade

• 2 hours ago

Bengals pick up fifth-year option on receiver Ja'Marr Chase

• Apr 24, 1:49 PM

"He could end up being the guy back there real quick. You have to keep urging Jessie to move forward," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Aug. 14.

Bates' play and salary ($899,603 against the cap in 2018), clearly made Iloka expendable, especially with the team looking to free up space to sign new long-term contracts for defensive linemen Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins.

This is the third significant veteran the Bengals have parted ways with this year, including cornerback Adam Jones and wide receiver Brandon LaFell.

The news was first reported by NFL Network.