Lions add edge rusher D.J. Wonnum

Field Level Media|published: Wed 18th March, 13:32 2026

Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) reacts after a sack in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions signed free-agent edge rusher D.J. Wonnum, the team announced Wednesday without disclosing financial terms.

Wonnum, 28, started 15 of the 16 regular-season games he played in last season for the Carolina Panthers, totaling 42 tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, one interception and one fumble recovery. He also started and made give tackles in the Panthers' playoff game, a 34-31 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC wild-card round.

He has 250 career tackles, 30 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, 59 QB hits, one interception, 15 passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries -- including one returned for a touchdown -- in 86 regular-season games (54 starts) for the Minnesota Vikings (2020-23) and Panthers.

Minnesota selected Wonnum in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of South Carolina.

--Field Level Media

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