by The Detroit Lions are confronted with a difficult decision with regard to the future of safety IFeatu Melifonwu.
A third round pick from 2021, Melifonwu has flashed with the team during his four seasons. In particular, he was excellent over the last part of 2023 and his ability to beat Blitz, the defense gave a different dimension.
However, a recurring and unhappy theme for his career has been his lack of availability due to injuries.
Melifonwu played a full season in his first four years, which was last season. As Rookie in 2021, the Syracuse product sustained a considerable hamstring injury in just his second NFL game and ended with a long injured reserve stint.
The following year he played in 10 games. He played the full season in 2023, but his defending Snaps early in the season were limited by a broken hand in practice. The injury did not completely put him aside, but delayed his final turnout to the top of the depth card.
Once he was free from the injury obstacles, Melifonwu gave a spark for the defense last season. He ended with two interceptions, including the Klinching Pick division against the Minnesota Vikings in week 16.
On the way to 2024, it was expected that Melifonwu was a consistent piece for the secondary Van Detroit. However, he walked late in the training camp at an ankle injury and was placed on injured reserve in week 4 after missing the first three games.
The experienced defender did his time on an wounded reserve and then suffered a broken finger as he reacted to practice. This resulted in a new stint on injured reserve and Melifonwu did not debut his season until week 16 in Chicago.
Melifonwu brings a unique element to the defense with his ability to defend Blitz and in various places. He is strong against the run and can keep his own coverage, but has not produced large numbers due to a lack of availability.
Some injury problems can easily be chalked to refuge developments. Evaluating how a potential offer could see for him is difficult because it is based on how the lions could view his future.
Because injuries have been such a concern, a one -year -old deal is perhaps the best way for the team. A modest basic salary with a few stimuli based on playing time and performance seems the most effective option, because Melifonwu could make its way in a wage increase.
Melifonwu has the opportunity to be a large piece within the defense of Detroit, he has already proven that. His lack of availability, however, is disturbing for his development, and with the lions who already have one of the best safety duos in the competition, there are other areas where the organization could allocate larger contracts.
Contract prediction: a year, $ 4.5 million.
