By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions made a significant move in 2024 by shifting Brian Branch from his role as a nickel cornerback to safety alongside Kerby Joseph. The duo quickly became one of the most formidable safety tandems in the NFL. Both players earned prestigious accolades, with Joseph securing his first All-Pro selection and Branch being named to the Pro Bowl.
Joseph had a standout season, recording 83 tackles (58 solo), defending 12 passes, and leading the league with nine interceptions. His performance earned him First-Team All-Pro honors, making him the first Lions safety to receive that recognition since Yale Lary in 1962. Joseph’s 12 pass defenses were tied for the most among all safeties. Since entering the league in 2022, he has amassed 17 interceptions, the highest in the NFL during that span. He’s also the first safety since Ed Reed (2002-2004) to notch at least four interceptions in each of his first three seasons.
Branch emerged as one of the league’s most versatile and productive defensive backs in just his second season. He recorded 109 tackles (79 solo), 16 passes defended, eight tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, four interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble. His ability to transition between safety and nickel corner while maintaining a high level of play was crucial for the Lions, especially when Amik Robertson had to step in for an injured Carlton Davis III in December. Branch became only the second Lions player since 1999 to post at least 15 pass defenses and five tackles for loss in a single season. According to Pro Football Focus, his 12 forced incompletions were the highest among all safeties.
Together, Joseph and Branch accounted for six interceptions in the end zone and were excellent tacklers, contributing to the Lions allowing the seventh-fewest yards after the catch in the league (1,804 yards). Detroit’s defensive scheme, which encourages safeties to read the quarterback and play aggressively, proved to be a perfect fit for both players. With former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard stepping up as defensive coordinator, that approach is unlikely to change.
A Tough Year for Melifonwu
On the downside, veteran safety Ifeatu Melifonwu struggled with injuries throughout the season. After finishing the 2023 season strong, ankle and finger issues sidelined him for most of 2024. He returned to action in December but only played four games, including one playoff appearance. Injuries have plagued Melifonwu throughout his four-year career, and he’s only managed to play more than 10 games in a season once.
Despite his setbacks, Melifonwu expressed a desire to stay in Detroit. Speaking to detroitlions.com after the playoff loss to Washington, he said he hopes to return. “I’d like to be back in Detroit,” Melifonwu shared. With Joseph and Branch firmly established as the team’s top safeties, it remains to be seen whether the Lions will re-sign him.
Defensive Stats and Free Agency Outlook
Detroit’s defense excelled in blitzing situations, particularly from the safety position. Opposing quarterbacks had an 80.3 passer rating against their blitzes, the fourth-lowest in the league behind Buffalo (75.8), Houston (76.3), and Minnesota (79.3). The defense forced four interceptions, allowed only six passing touchdowns, and sacked quarterbacks 14 times in blitz situations.
Melifonwu will be a free agent this offseason, leaving the Lions with a decision to make. His size, versatility, and playmaking ability make him a valuable asset, but injuries have been a significant part of his story. Joseph’s future is also a looming question as he enters the final season of his rookie contract in 2025.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged the situation, saying, “That’s on the docket in terms of – to be looked at and discussed. He’s an All-Pro player, and he’s another one that’s gotten better and better. He’s proven that he’s a Detroit Lion, he fits our culture. It’s hard to find ballhawk guys that will tackle like how he does, and I think that’s what makes him unique. We haven’t had any intense dialogue about that yet, but obviously, we want to keep the good players here.”
Draft Possibilities and Future Outlook
Looking to the future, the Lions may seek to add young depth to the safety position, especially if they choose not to re-sign Melifonwu. Coach Sheppard values versatility across all defensive positions, so the team will likely target a player who can handle both safety roles, drop into the nickel, and contribute as a blitzer.
Several potential draft prospects fit that mold, including Jahdae Barron (Texas), Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina), Malaki Starks (Georgia), Xavier Watts (Notre Dame), Andrew Mukuba (Texas), and Malachi Moore (Alabama). NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah even compared Barron to Branch, highlighting his versatility and playmaking ability.
The Lions’ future at the safety position looks bright with Joseph and Branch leading the charge. If they can find additional depth and maintain their aggressive defensive strategy, Detroit’s defense will continue to be a force in the NFL.