The Bucs are signing Ifeatu Melifonwu to a one-year deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Melifonwu had been on Tampa Bay’s practice squad all season and was elevated for the first three games. Because of rules placed by the NFL, that was the last time that the Bucs could elevate him from the practice squad, so they had to make a decision on whether to sign him or cut ties.

Bucs Keep Top Backup Safety

Melifwonu was signed to the Bucs at the beginning of training camp and it was actually a surprise that he didn’t make the 53-man roster. Tampa Bay elected to keep just three safeties with Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith and Miles Killebrew. But with Killebrew primarily as a special teams player, they need another natural safety as a backup.

Bucs S Ifeatu Melifonwu – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

There’s value as well with Melfionwu on special teams. He’s played 51 snaps there this season through the first three games making one tackle, compared to no snaps on the defensive side.

With wide receiver Jalen McMillan likely going on the injured reserve with a knee injury, this opened up a roster spot for Melifonwu without having to cut another player. It also opens up one more spot on the practice squad.

Bucs S Ifeatu Melifonwu – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs’ defense has more flexibility knowing they’ll have Melifwonu on the active roster. He is by far the biggest safety that they have with his 6-3 size and weighing 210 pounds. We likely won’t see much of him unless something happens to Winfield or Smith, but he is definitely solid depth on the roster.

Check out the latest Pewter Report Podcast on our PewterReportTV YouTube channel where we discussed the latest news with the Bucs after an 0-3 start to the beginning of the season and what is next for this team.