The Miami Dolphins are betting on the potential of Ifeatu Melifonwu, who was previously a starter for the Detroit Lions but struggled with injuries. At 6'3" and 210 pounds, Melifonwu's versatility in the defensive backfield can be a major asset for the Dolphins, enhancing the flexibility of their defense alongside stars like Jalen Ramsey. His former coach, Dan Campbell, is optimistic about his future, emphasizing Melifonwu's ability to play multiple positions, including cornerback and dime linebacker, making him a valuable piece in defensive schemes.

Melifonwu himself expressed eagerness to contribute, highlighting his skills in coverage, tackling, and blitzing. He believes he can be a key player in Miami, where he sees opportunities to maximize his abilities. The Dolphins also acquired linebacker K.J. Britt from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who brings a physical presence and leadership qualities. With both players, Miami aims to solidify its defense ahead of the upcoming season, hoping to leverage Melifonwu's potential and Britt's experience to create a formidable unit.

The Miami Dolphins have signed veteran cornerback Artie Burns to a one-year deal, enhancing their secondary for the upcoming season. A former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Burns has spent the last three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he played in 21 games and started one in the 2023 season, despite dealing with a toe injury. The Dolphins are building their defense after losing safety Jevon Holland to free agency, and Burns brings experience and talent to a unit that ranked ninth in the NFL for fewest passing yards allowed last season.

Miami Dolphins have signed Artie Burns, marking a homecoming for the veteran cornerback who previously starred at the University of Miami. Burns, a former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016, joins the Dolphins after stints with the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks, where he last appeared in four games before a toe injury sidelined him. This move comes as the Dolphins look to bolster their secondary after releasing veteran Kendall Fuller.

Burns is set to compete for a roster spot alongside established players like Jalen Ramsey and Kader Kohou, with the Dolphins expected to add further depth through the upcoming draft. His experience and familiarity with the Miami area could prove beneficial as the Dolphins aim to enhance their defensive capabilities.

The Dallas Cowboys face a challenging offseason with the departure of slot cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who signed a lucrative three-year, $30 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Lewis was not a marquee name in the secondary, his versatility, with 10 career interceptions and nearly 10 sacks, was crucial to the defense. The Cowboys will need to find a capable replacement as they lack depth at the cornerback position.

Potential options include veteran Kendall Fuller, who brings extensive experience in both the slot and outside corner positions. Another alternative is Mike Hilton, a strong run defender but not fitting the Cowboys' typical profile. Lastly, Artie Burns, despite injury issues, has shown promise when playing and could be a wildcard in filling the void.

PFF's NFL Week 18 Team of the Week has been unveiled, featuring standout players recognized for their remarkable performances based on grades and snap counts. The list includes notable names such as Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots, who excelled in his first career start, and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, who closed the season with a spectacular rushing game.

On the defensive side, Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys shone brightly, showcasing his skills with an impressive grade and multiple sacks. The Carolina Panthers offensive line also received accolades for their performance, contributing significantly to their success in the final game of the season.