Seahawks work out ex-Dolphins, Lions safety

The Seattle Seahawks continue to do their due diligence ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Seattle reportedly recently hosted free-agent safety Ifeatu Melifonwu for a workout. No deal appears imminent. However, the visit signals that the Seahawks are keeping tabs on experienced defensive backs who could become valuable additions as the season unfolds.

Melifonwu is an intriguing option because of his rare combination of size, athleticism, and positional versatility. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he has physical profile Seattle has long favored in its secondary. The former Syracuse standout has spent time with both the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins.

Last season, he appeared in 16 games and made eight starts. He demonstrated his value as both a rotational contributor and a reliable fill-in starter. His ability to match up against tight ends and function as a hybrid defender make him an attractive depth option for many teams.

Sure, Seattle may not be ready to make a move today. Still, bringing Melifonwu in for a workout allows the organization to evaluate his current health, conditioning, and fit. Given the inevitable injuries and roster adjustments that occur throughout an NFL season, establishing familiarity with veteran free agents can prove invaluable. If the Seahawks encounter depth concerns in the secondary later this year, Melifonwu could quickly re-emerge as a realistic target.

Selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Melifonwu entered the league as an athletic cornerback before eventually transitioning to safety. Injuries limited his availability early in his career. However, he flashed his playmaking ability during the latter stages of the 2023 season. After moving on to the Dolphins, Melifonwu continued to showcase his versatility as a physical defensive back.

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