The Lions' decision to keep Ifeatu Melifonwu or not does not have to be difficult.
From Week 14 through the playoffs of the 2023 season, Ifeatu Melifonwu was a force for the Detroit Lions' defense. Over those eight games, he had 30 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and 11 quarterback pressures. From Week 14 through the Divisional Round, he was PFF's eighth-highest graded safety in the league and there was worthy breakout buzz around him heading into this past season.
But that breakout buzz was not paid off, not even close. A preseason ankle injury that it feels like the Lions miscalculated landed Melifonwu on IR deeper into the season than maybe it should have. Then, as he was nearing a return, he suffered a dislocated finger that was so bad he had to have surgery and landed right back on IR.
Including the playoffs, Melifonwu played four games during the 2024 season, with six pressures and one sack as his notable statistics.
Lions' free agency decision on Ifeatu Melifonwu is not difficult
Unfortunately, injuries have been the lead story of Melifonwu's NFL career to this point. Even in the one season he played all 17 games, 2023, a hand injury limited him to special teams duty for a long stretch. Out of a possible 68 regular season games, he has played in just 37.
Of course Melifonwu, a third-round pick in 2021, has played out his rookie contract and he is a free agent.
Melifonwu's versatility is an asset to a defense, as Dan Campbell re-affirmed when he was back in action this past season. He was a college cornerback who made the transition to safety in the NFL, with linebacker-like skills as a blitzer.
Christian Booher of SI.com noted Melifonwu's free agent status in his season review of the safety position for the Lions.
"Ifeatu Melifonwu, who was a big piece of the team's success when healthy over the last two seasons, is a free agent. If he does not return, the Lions will lack some depth at this position, as well as missing Melifonwu's ability to blitz and get after the quarterback from the safety position."
Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit did a deeper dive on Melifonwu, with a point that he should be able to be re-signed cheaply after an injury-marred season. The following note seems to be meant as praise, but it's hard to tell.
"When healthy, Melifonwu is the optimal version of Will Harris. He can fill in at cornerback, nickelback and either safety spot."
No offense to Harris, but "the optimal version of Will Harris" is not a flattering label. It also conveys that someone is replaceable, like Harris was once the Lions had more talented safeties.
Melifonwu fully lived up to the adage "hurt guy stay hurt" in his fourth season, which should remove any sentimentality Brad Holmes may have for a player from his first draft class as Lions' general manager.
A player with Melifonwu's specific talents might be hard to find, but finding a safety who can be available more often than not to fill a depth role won't be.
