6 Lions Who Won't Return in 2025 With Season Officially Over

2. Ifeatu Melifonwu, DB

The Lions drafted Ifeatu Melifonwu with the 101st pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Melifonwu's combination of size, speed and athleticism is what drew Detroit's attention. At 6'2' 1/2, 205 pounds, Melifonwu ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. For a bigger defensive back, his measurables were great.

As a rookie, Melifonwu played cornerback in six of the seven games he appeared in while lining up at safety in the other. In those games, Melifonwu recorded 15 tackles, three pass deflections and two fumble recoveries. Furthermore, in those seven games, he played 53% of the defensive snaps.

Although Melifonwu didn't put up amazing stats as a rookie, he showed enough promise to get fans excited.

In 2023, Detroit selected safety Brian Branch in the first round, which cut into Melifonwu's potential playing time. Still, Melifonwu played eight games in 2023, recording 33 tackles, 24 pass deflections, three sacks and one forced fumble. Moreover, Melifonwu put together his best season defending the pass, allowing just 53% (15/28) passes to be completed against him.

Melifonwu's breakout third year now meant that Detroit had a deep safety room. Alas, 2024 was another disappointing year for Melifonwu as he missed ten games due to injury and was a healthy scratch in the other games. In the three contests he did play in 2024, Melifonwu recorded ten tackles and one sack.

Although Melifonwu has proven to be a difference maker, it's hard to see a world where the Lions re-sign him thie offseason. Given the emergence of Branch and how effective Kerby Joseph was this season, there's no need to spend more at the position to bring Melifonwu back.