Ifeatu Melifonwu is finally back to making an impact for the Detroit Lions' defense after an admittedly frustrating beginning to his 2024 season.
An ankle injury in training camp landed the fourth-year defensive back on Reserve/Injured for the first two months of the season. The Lions opened his 21-day practice window to return from IR in November, but Melifonwu was placed on IR again when he suffered a dislocated finger in practice that required surgery. It kept him out an additional month before he eventually returned to the field Dec. 22 in Chicago.
Over the last three games, Melifonwu has played 53 snaps at free safety, 48 snaps as a box safety, 30 as a slot corner and four out wide at cornerback. He's recorded 10 tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack over those three contests.
"It was very frustrating," Melifonwu said Thursday of the injuries he's dealt with this year. "Very frustrating battling the injury and coming back and starting my return to play and having a fluke injury keep me out again. I knew I was really close, so I wasn't going to quit. I was going to come back this season."
Melifonwu said it's taken a couple weeks to re-acclimate himself to playing at a high level and playing so many different spots. Now heading into the playoffs, he has some games under his belt and is settled in nicely for Detroit's playoff run.
This is a contract year for Melifonwu after the team made him a third-round pick out of Syracuse in 2021. He started as an outside cornerback and made the switch to safety full-time last year with his biggest asset now being his versatility at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds.
He played so well at the end of last year he'd like to recapture some of that to help Detroit make a long playoff run before an uncertain offseason.
View some of the best photos of the Detroit Lions' 2024 regular season.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) sacks Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks a field goal during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46), Detroit Lions cornerback Morice Norris (40), Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor (29), Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53), Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0), Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66), and Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) celebrate after an interception during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 30, 2024 in Santa Clara. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) celebrates after recovering a fumble during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Christian Mahogany (73), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) celebrate after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 22, 2024 in Chicago. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43), Detroit Lions defensive back Jamal Adams (25), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43) recovers a fumble during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker David Long Jr. (43), Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17), Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 5, 2024 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (91), Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), American sportscaster for CBS Sports Tracy Wolfson, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54), Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader (98), and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad (69) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 28, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 24, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14), and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate with Detroit Lions fans after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith (99) before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0), Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47), Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21), and Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 17, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) celebrates after kicking a game-winning field goal after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30), Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (41), Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (12), Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3), and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrate after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III (23) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) sacks Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Josh Paschal (93) sacks Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) and forces a fumble during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Nov. 10, 2024 in Houston. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) and Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) celebrate after an interception is returned for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) score a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 3, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler (71) after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick (17) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) celebrates after a sack during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad (69), Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34), Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53), and Detroit Lions safety Brandon Joseph (12) celebrate after an interception during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) returns a punt during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after at touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) breaks up a pass during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) kicks a field goal during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal (75), Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70), Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell (58), Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates (39) and Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) and Detroit Lions tight end Parker Hesse (43) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates after a touchdown with Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34),and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill (54) celebrate after a sack during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) forces a fumble during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Ford Field during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) and Detroit Lions defensive lineman Marcus Davenport (92) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates after a first down during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) breaks up a pass during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60), Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5), and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) scrambles for a first down during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) laterals to Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 22, 2024 in Glendale, Ariz. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) celebrates after a strip sack before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 15, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
The light show at Ford Field before a Sunday Night Football game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) scores a touchdown in overtime during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrate after a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) intercepts a pass during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson (97) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 8, 2024 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
"It definitely can help," Melifonwu said of finishing the season strong heading into free agency. "End of the year games are more, I'm not going to say more important because every game is important, but stuff gets magnified.
"But that's not my mindset. I'm not thinking about contract and everything. I'm just thinking about each week and what I can do to help the team and play the best and contribute in any way I can."
