Buccaneers Elevate Veteran Safety For Week 2 Matchup

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are adding some veteran experience to their secondary ahead of Sunday’s matchup with Cleveland.

The Buccaneers announced Saturday that it elevated safety Ifeatu Melifonwu to the active roster for Week 2.

Melifonwu Brings Starting Experience

Melifonwu, 27, is the brother of veteran safety Obi Melifonwu and previously started two seasons at Syracuse.

He earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2020 before entering the NFL the following year.

The Detroit Lions selected Melifonwu with the 101st overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Production With Miami

Melifonwu appeared in all 16 games for Miami during the 2025 season.

He made eight starts while recording 53 tackles, one sack, one interception and one pass defense. His elevation gives Tampa Bay another experienced option in the secondary heading into its Week 2 matchup.