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NFL free agency news: Lions lose Ifeatu Melifonwu to Dolphins

The Detroit Lions are moving on from defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu. According to ESPN, Melifonwu has agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Miami Dolphins.

With a contract that was so low in relative size, it’s clear the Lions were ready to move on from Melifonwu after an injury-plagued career in Detroit.

The Lions drafted Melifonwu in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Initially drafted as a cornerback, the Lions eventually shifted him back to safety. He had what looked to be a breakout moment in 2023, starting for the Lions in the final five games of the regular season and all three playoff games.