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Former Boise State football standout George Iloka released by Bengals

The 28-year-old Texas-native was entering year three of a five-year, $30 million deal he signed with Cincinnati in March 2016.
Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals safety George Iloka (43) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Former Boise State standout George Iloka was cut by the only NFL franchise he has every played for on Sunday.

In a roster move that Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network deemed "a financial decision," the Cincinnati Bengals parted ways with Iloka less than 24 hours after their 21-13 preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Iloka started a free safety for Cincinnati on Saturday, and recorded two tackles.

The Bengals drafted Iloka in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He only played in seven games during his rookie season, but since he has become one of the more durable safeties in the NFL. Iloka hasn't missed a game since 2015, and he's started 76 of 80 contests dating back to 2013.

The 28-year-old Texas-native was entering year three of a five-year, $30 million deal he signed on March 9, 2016. He received contract offers from the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, but chose to stay in Cincinnati.

Iloka logged a career-high 80 tackles in 2018. He was also on the field for a team-best 1,050 defensive snaps last season.

He said in a tweet on Sunday that he was "Thankful for the opportunity," and wished his former teammates luck, noting that they "have something special brewing here."

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