A day after fellow Syracuse Orange graduate Andre Cisco inked a deal with the New York Jets, another 2021 NFL Draft pick is making a move within the division.

At 25 years old, defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu, who spent the initial four years of his professional journey with the Detroit Lions, has secured a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins valued at $4 million.

The announcement was first made by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Melifonwu, often called Iffy, battled injuries during the 2024-25 season, managing to participate in just four games — three regular season matchups and the Divisional Round — with the Lions. He tallied 12 tackles (eight solo) and one sack. The Dolphins have brought Melifonwu on a prove-it deal, hoping he can return to his 2023 form.

In that standout year, he featured in all 17 regular-season games and the Lions’ three playoff matches, accumulating 49 tackles (35 solo), five sacks, eight defended passes, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

His PFF pass coverage score was a respectable 75.8 across both the regular and postseason, primarily occupying the free safety position after initially being drafted as a cornerback. Melifonwu was selected in the third round (101st overall) by Detroit, the same round in which his Syracuse colleague Cinco was picked by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

During his tenure with the Orange, Melifonwu amassed a total of 89 tackles, 21 defended passes, and three interceptions. He is the third Syracuse alumnus to secure an NFL contract this offseason, joining Cisco and Tommy DeVito.