PALM BEACH — There’s a rather common belief that if new Miami Dolphins safety Ifeatu Melifonwu can stay on the field in 2025, he can blossom into a key, versatile defensive piece for the team.
While his former team, the Detroit Lions, didn’t retain him this offseason, allowing him to sign with the Dolphins for up to $4 million, his former coach, Dan Campbell sure thinks he can shine in his new setting.
And it’s not a notion, which Campbell revealed at the NFL annual meeting at The Breakers on Tuesday morning, that is to be scoffed at after Melifonwu emerged as a starter the past two seasons for the Lions but was just often hurt.
“The only thing that’s happened with Iffy for us, he had some injuries at times,” Campbell said. “But when we had him and he was on the field and he was able to really bang reps and bank a lot of time, I mean, he was a productive player.”
Melifonwu (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) presented versatility in the Lions’ defense, something Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is expected to highlight, given that he already does it with star cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Last year, Melifonwu suffered a preseason ankle injury and then hurt his finger while trying to work back. He finally returned to game action for the final three regular season games and the Lions’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.
Campbell was a big fan of how many positions he could put him in over the past four seasons in Detroit.
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“This guy, he’s a defensive back. I wouldn’t even say he’s a safety. He’s a defensive back,” Campbell ...
