The Detroit Lions and head coach Dan Campbell are experiencing both gains and losses as free agency intensifies ahead of the 2025 season.

While the Lions are adding some important players, they are also losing some key contributors. Losing players who have been integral to the team’s success is always tough, but it’s part of the offseason routine in the NFL.

Now, the Lions are facing another departure ahead of the upcoming season.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Detroit Lions would be losing star defender Carlton Davis to the New England Patriots, which came as no surprise. Davis was due for a large contract and was expected to be one of the most sought-after defensive free agents.

Now, the Lions are also losing safety Ifeatu Melifonwu to the Miami Dolphins, with the 25-year-old agreeing to a one-year deal with Miami, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Melifonwu, who spent much of last season on the injured reserve list due to an ankle injury sustained during training camp, only appeared in three games. While this loss isn’t as significant as Davis’s departure, Melifonwu made his presence known in those games, recording 10 tackles and a sack.

In total, Melifonwu played in 17 games over his first two seasons with the Detroit Lions after being drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

“With Melifonwu, the Dolphins acquire a promising safety who will turn 26 on May 2, but one coming off a season marred by injuries,” said Alain Poupart of Sports Illustrated in a March 11th article.

Although Melifonwu didn’t see as much action in Detroit as he would have liked, he did make significant plays, including a key interception against the Minnesota Vikings on December 24, 2023, which helped secure the Lions’ first division title since 1993. This move marks Melifonwu’s first time joining a team other than the Lions.

For the Dolphins, some believe this is a smart move. “The Dolphins entered the offseason needing to replace two starting safeties with Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer both set to hit free agency, and Holland recently agreed to terms with the New York Giants,” Poupart noted.

He continued, “With Holland out of their price range, the Dolphins made a wise move by bringing in a high-ceiling free agent at an affordable price, betting that he can stay healthy.”

While Melifonwu didn’t get extensive playing time in Detroit, he’s expected to start for the Dolphins if he can remain injury-free. It will be interesting to see how this move pans out for both teams, but since the Dolphins are in the AFC, Lions fans won’t have to worry about facing him anytime soon.