Although every team deals with injuries, it feels like no franchise has endured more than the Detroit Lions. Over the last two seasons, injuries to star players and key depth pieces have contributed to early exits, despite having a Super Bowl-caliber roster.
That’s why general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell must emphasize acquiring quality depth in the offseason. While numerous holes on the roster need to be addressed, there is none more important than filling their current void at safety.
With star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph coming off season-ending injuries and the Lions having six defensive backs hitting free agency, they must prioritize acquiring dependable depth in the secondary. One name that could help solve their safety problems is former Lion Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Lions Should Consider a Reunion With Ifeatu Melifonwu
In Melifonwu’s four years with the Lions, he proved to be a solid depth contributor, logging 72 total tackles, two interceptions, four and a half sacks, and 13 pass deflections. While Melifonwu was a crucial depth player in their secondary, injuries limited his availability, appearing in just 37 out of a possible 68 games.
Although he never emerged as the full-time starter that the Lions had hoped, he provided the Lions’ defense with versatility in the secondary, lining up at both safety and cornerback. When Melifonwu left for the Miami Dolphins, few expected that the Lions would feel his absence.
However, his presence was dearly missed in the secondary, as Detroit’s defense was among the league’s worst against the pass, ranking 20th in passing yards allowed (217.4), 30th in air yards allowed (2,558), and 28th in yards per catch allowed (11.8). Their depth, outside of Thomas Harper, was horrendous and failed to stand out.
Meanwhile, Melifonwu was great in coverage last season. According to Pro Football Focus, Melifonwu allowed just 19 receptions for 167 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while also recording 53 total tackles, one sack, and one interception.
With Branch and Joseph both suffering significant injuries, it's unclear when they'll return and how impactful they'll be. That’s why acquiring dependable depth in the offseason is vital. Reuniting with Melifonwu would be a step in the right direction towards addressing this need.
Since Melifonwu is familiar with the system, Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard should already have an idea of how they want to utilize him. He gives them flexibility in the secondary and also gives them a piece they can throw in on corner blitzes, as he has five and a half sacks for his career.
Not only that, Melifonwu shouldn’t cost too much. Spotrac projects him to land a two-year contract worth $7.32 million, and given that the Lions are currently projected to have only $9.1 million in cap space, Melifonwu would be an ideal signing.
While Melifonwu may not be the best safety option in free agency, his price tag and familiarity with the Lions’ system make him an intriguing candidate. For Detroit, bringing him back on a cheap contract should be a no-brainer.