Buccaneers Tried Out Four Players, Signed Two

Of this group, the Buccaneers opted to sign Melifonwu and Shaw ahead of training camp.

Melifonwu, 27, is the brother of veteran S Obi Melifonwu and was a two-year starter for Syracuse. He was also named third-team All-ACC in 2020. The Lions drafted Melifonwu with pick No. 101 in the third round in 2021. 

Melifonwu signed a four-year rookie deal worth $4,785,850 with an $840,618 signing bonus. He made a base salary of $1.192 million for the 2024 season before signing a one-year, $4 million contract with the Dolphins last year. 

In 2025, Melifonwu appeared in 16 games for the Dolphins, making eight starts and recording 53 tackles, one sack, an interception and a pass defense.