Ifeatu Melifonwu: Everything you need to know

Melifonwu made a career-high 53 tackles (31 solo), including 1.0 sacks, across 16 regular-season appearances with the Dolphins in 2025. He also had one pass defensed, including one interception. Melifonwu inked a one-year deal with Miami last March and appeared locked into a starting gig at safety for the team, but he ultimately played more than 70 percent of defensive snaps in only five of his 16 appearances. The 26-year-old will figure to compete for a rotational role elsewhere in the league in free agency.

Melifonwu (thumb/groin) does not have an injury designation for Monday's Week 15 clash against the Steelers, C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald reports. A pair of injuries held Melifonwu to consecutive limited practices to begin the week, but he was able to record a full session Saturday. As such, the defensive back is good to go for Monday Night Football. Melifonwu has often worked in a rotational role in the Dolphins' secondary but has logged a snap count above 50 percent in each of the team's past four games.

Melifonwu (thumb/groin) is active for Sunday's matchup versus the Jets. Melifonwu battled a pair of injuries this week but was a full participant in every practice. It's therefore no surprise that he'll play against New York despite being deemed questionable on Friday's final injury report. Melifonwu has seen his role on defense increase of late, as he's logged over 50 percent of Miami's defensive snaps each of the past three games, and he posted a season-high seven tackles last Sunday against New Orleans.