The Detroit Lions experienced a boatload of changes this offseason. They have seen losses from the roster and coaching staff.
During free agency, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu signed with the Miami Dolphins on a one-year, $4 million deal. He spent the first four years of his career with the Lions before leaving town this spring.
Ifeatu Melifonwu Started His Tenure off Well With the Dolphins
Although he didn't have the best tenure in the Motor City, he's already off to a great start with his new team. In June, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that Melifonwu has an early lead on one of their starting safety spots.
Miami lost both Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer, so those spots are up for grabs. Ashtyn Davis also signed with the Dolphins, but it's clear that Melifonwu is someone who heads into training camp with a shot to start in Week 1.
Over his four seasons with the Lions, he suffered injuries to his ankle, quad, and finger. In 37 games (14 starts), he had 72 total tackles, six TFLs, 13 pass deflections, and two interceptions.
The Lions used the 101st overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, showcasing that the team had high hopes for him.
He was never able to reach his ceiling with the Lions, and that played a role in why the Lions didn't want to re-sign him. In addition, Detroit has Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch as its safety duo, so the need for Melifonwu wasn't glaring.
Nonetheless, the Syracuse product is taking things personally with the Dolphins and has already hit the ground running. When training camp begins next month, the 26-year-old is ahead of the curve and will get a chance to lock down a starting job.
Even though he's been in Miami for three months, he's made his presence felt quickly.