Report: New England Patriots Sign Former Second Round Safety

The New England Patriots had a quite period when it comes to adding and releasing players, and they have just signed another player.

Obi Melifinowu came back to New England, and his agent, Sean Stellato confirmed that the safety will sign a contract with the Patriots.

The team worked out Melifonwu in October right after the Oakland Raiders released him. The 2017 second round pick was picked by the Patriots long before they worked him out. Melifonwu is not stranger to New England as he comes from Grafton, Massachusetts, and played his college ball at Uconn. The Patriots were really interested in the safety, and also met him before the NFL Draft in 2017.

Melifonwu suffered several injuries during his time in the league, and played just five games in his rookie season, totaling six tackles. Melifonwu was also put on injured reserve twice during the season had a slow start in 2018 for Oakland. They put him on injured reserve and then released him.

NFL experts have words of praise for Melifonwu. During his last season ad UConn, the safety had impressive numbers. He recorded 118 tackles and four interceptions. Melifonwu played in all 13 games in the 2016 campaign. Before being drafted, Melifonwu ran a 4.4 40-yard dash and logged 7.07 seconds in the 3-cone drill.

Melifonwu is the fourth safety on the depth chart right behind Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon. The player will also bring some youth to the unit as both Chung and McCourty are 31.

How will the safety affect the active roster? The team will probably waive offensive lineman James Ferentzh. Duke Dawson is also about to return to the active roster, but it seems like Melifonwu will take this spot. The Patriots will have to release someone of the 53-man roster and make room for him. Will they release Kenjon Barner?