The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have added more experience to their secondary, agreeing to a one-year contract with veteran safety Ifeatu Melifonwu.
According to Myles Simmons of NBC Sports, citing ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Melifonwu has reached an agreement with Tampa Bay after spending the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins.
The 27-year-old appeared in 16 games with eight starts for Miami last season, totaling 53 tackles, one interception, and one sack. According to Pro Football Focus, he earned a 62.9 overall defensive grade while logging 549 defensive snaps. Melifonwu added 43 tackles, eight defensive stops, and allowed 19 receptions on 20 targets for 167 yards with one interception and a 120.2 passer rating when targeted.
Originally selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Melifonwu spent his first four NFL seasons in Detroit before signing with the Dolphins. His best campaign came in 2023 when he posted an 82.1 overall PFF defensive grade and an outstanding 90.4 pass-rush grade, recording six sacks, 11 quarterback pressures, and two interceptions while emerging as one of the Lions’ most versatile defensive backs.
The signing gives Tampa Bay additional depth at safety following the retirement of Jordan Whitehead earlier this offseason. Melifonwu has experience playing multiple roles throughout his career, lining up in the box, at free safety, and in the slot, a versatility that has long been valued in Todd Bowles’ defense.
With Antoine Winfield Jr. expected to remain the centerpiece of the secondary and Tykee Smith entering another important season, Melifonwu provides the Buccaneers with an experienced veteran capable of competing for rotational snaps while also adding valuable depth and special teams experience heading into the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers agree to one-year deal with veteran safety
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
