D.J. Wonnum - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Underwhelms in 2025 Wonnum recorded 42 total tackles (19 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and three passes defensed, including one interception, across 16 regular-season games in 2025.

Impact Wonnum stayed healthy for nearly the whole season after appearing in just eight games during his first year in Carolina in 2024. During his time with the Panthers, he's struggled to get after the quarterback, recording just 7.0 sacks across 24 regular-season games. That production marks a notable drop-off from his 2023 campaign with the Vikings, when he tallied 8.0 sacks in 15 regular-season games. Now finishing the final season of a two-year, $12.5 million contract signed in March of 2024, Wonnum is set to hit unrestricted free agency following the Panthers' 2025 playoff campaign.

5 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Logs 2.0 sacks in Week 15 loss Wonnum recorded four tackles (two solo), including 2.0 sacks, in a loss to New Orleans on Sunday.

Impact Wonnum led a strong effort by Carolina's defense, but the team's offense was able to put up just 17 points. Wonnum got into the sacks column for the first time this season after going 12 games without taking down the opposing QB. He posted 4.0 sacks in just eight contests last year.

DECEMBER 17, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers' $8 million free-agent decision is turning into a genuine coin flip D.J. Wonnum’s contract year seems like it should be straightforward. A 28-year-old veteran edge rusher entering free agency with zero sacks...

DECEMBER 9, 2025 • CATCRAVE.COM

D.J. Wonnum's impact on defense goes beyond sack numbers While Wonnum hasn't registered a sack this season, coaches and teammates know he has been in the right place at the right time, over and ove...

DECEMBER 3, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Returning to action Wonnum (hip) is active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Impact Wonnum was inactive for Week 4, but his absence will be limited to only one game. He's played a versatile role, primarily as a pass rusher and coverage linebacker through three games in the season. Across three games, Wonnum has totaled six tackles, two passes defensed, one interception and one quarterback hit.

OCTOBER 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Sunday Wonnum (hip) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins.

Impact The veteran edge rusher upgraded from limited practice Wednesday and Thursday to a full go Friday, suggesting he's trending toward playing in Sunday's contest. Wonnum would be a huge addition to the Panthers' defense, recording six total tackles and two passes defended, including one interception, over the team's first three games. If he's active in Week 5, he'll likely serve as Carolina's top edge rusher and start opposite Patrick Jones.

OCTOBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Out for Week 4 Wonnum (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Patriots.

Impact The 27-year-old was unable to practice all week after likely sustaining a hip injury in the Panthers' Week 3 win over the Falcons, so it's no surprise he'll be sidelined Sunday. Wonnum has played 134 defensive snaps over Carolina's first three games, recording six total tackles and one pick-six. With him and Patrick Jones (hamstring) sidelined in Week 4, the Panthers' top edge-rush duo is expected to be rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Misses Thursday's practice Wonnum didn't practice Thursday due to a hip injury.

Impact Despite playing 48 defensive snaps and recording two total tackles during the Panthers' Week 3 win over the Falcons, the South Carolina product appears to have sustained a hip injury. Wonnum has now logged consecutive DNPs to begin Carolina's week of practice, making it unlikely that he suits up for the Week 4 matchup against the Patriots. However, if the 27-year-old upgrades to limited or full participation in Friday's session, he could play in Sunday's contest.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Play of the Day: D.J. Wonnum interception sparks comeback With some help from Patrick Jones II on the rush, outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum pulled in an interception that sparked a rally for the Pant...

SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Locker Room Sound | D.J. Wonnum speaks to the media after Cardinals Watch the veteran linebacker speak to the media after the Panthers fall short to the Cardinals on Sunday.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Bryce Young, Panthers come up short with late rally in loss to Cardinals

A disastrous start quickly turned to hope as Carolina strung together three second-half scoring drives

SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 • Associated Press

D.J. Wonnum intercepts Kyler Murray pass Watch the with the help of teammate Pat Jones II, linebacker D.J. Wonnum intercepts Kyler Murray on 3rd and 3 to give the Panthers possessio...

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

D.J. Wonnum: 'We've put in work since the beginning' Watch the Panthers linebacker speak to the media after the team's last day of training camp.

AUGUST 19, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Past back issue Wonnum (back) finished Friday's 30-10 preseason loss against the Browns with one assisted tackle.

Impact Wonnum worked with the first-team defense and ended up playing 11 snaps. The 2020 fourth-rounder was tending to a back injury during the offseason, but he appears past the issue given his ability to play Friday. Wonnum missed the first nine games of the 2024 regular season due to a lingering quadriceps injury but managed to finish with 37 tackles (18 solo), including 4.0 sacks, one pass defense and one forced fumble across eight games. The Panthers' preseason depth chart has Wonnum starting at outside linebacker alongside Patrick Jones, Trevin Wallace and Christian Rozeboom.

AUGUST 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

D.J. Wonnum on the Panthers' defense: "It's a new standard" Carolina Panthers pass rusher D.J. Wonnum is now the incumbent leader in a young OLB room, and he's setting new standards for his unit, and...

AUGUST 1, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Panthers' Dave Canales offers injury updates on 4 players, including 2 key defenders If the Carolina Panthers are going to improve on the defensive side of the ball this offseason, they're going to need both Bobby Brown III a...

JULY 23, 2025 • SI.COM

Starting to practice again Wonnum (back) participated in a limited capacity during minicamp Tuesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Wonnum sat out both of Carolina's last two open workouts entirely, so Tuesday's action is a sign of progress in his recovery from a lingering back issue. There's no concrete timetable for his full return, but once available he projects as a starter on the edge for the Panthers in 2025.

JUNE 11, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Tending to back issue Wonnum (back) did not participate at OTAs on Tuesday, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Impact Wonnum apparently had his back "flare up," so it's not immediately clear what brought about the injury. There is also currently no concrete timeline for his return. For now, DJ Johnson and rookie second-rounder Nic Scourton figure to see more cracks at first-team practice reps.

MAY 27, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers release veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, rule out Jonathan Brooks for the season

The Carolina Panthers have released veteran Jadeveon Clowney after selecting two edge rushers in the NFL draft

MAY 8, 2025 • Associated Press

Panthers GM Dan Morgan hits balance between upgrading defense, adding playmakers for QB Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers had the worst defense in the league by far last season, but that didn’t stop general manager Dan Morgan from selecting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan from Ar...

APRIL 26, 2025 • Associated Press

Promising 2024 campaign Wonnum recorded 37 total tackles, including 4.0 sacks, defended one pass and forced one fumble across eight games in 2024.

Impact Wonnum signed a two-year, $12.5 million deal with the Panthers last offseason after tying his career-best sack total (8.0) with the Vikings in 2023. However, the 27-year-old missed Carolina's first nine games this season due to a lingering quadriceps injury sustained during his last season in Minnesota. Despite the limited playing time, Wonnum finished third on the Panthers' defense in sacks, tallying 26 pressures in just eight games. The South Carolina product showed flashes of brilliance throughout his appearances and is expected to serve as Carolina's top edge rusher in 2025, looking to help bolster a defense that tied for the second-fewest sacks (32.0) in the NFL this season.

JANUARY 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

With Bryce Young settled at QB, Panthers can focus on rebuilding NFL's worst defense

The Carolina Panthers aren’t heading to the postseason, but they believe they’ve finally found a franchise quarterback

JANUARY 6, 2025 • Associated Press

D.J. Wonnum on entering the offseason healthy Watch the Panthers outside linebacker speak to the media as the team clears out their lockers to cap the 2024 campaign.

JANUARY 6, 2025 • PANTHERS.COM

Good to go against Atlanta Wonnum (knee/rest) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Impact Wonnum opened the week as a DNP in order to get some additional rest due to a lingering issue. He ramped up his practice participation over the next two days, culminating in a full session Friday. Wonnum has logged 32 tackles (17 solo), including 4.0 sacks, one pass defense and fumble recovery across seven regular-season games.

JANUARY 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to practice Thursday Wonnum (knee/rest) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Impact Wonnum was able to play through a shoulder issue during the Panthers' Week 17 loss to the Buccaneers and finished with five tackles (two solo) while playing 55 snaps (47 on defense, eight on special teams). The 2020 fourth-rounder didn't practice Wednesday due to rest and a knee issue, but his limited participation Thursday indicates that he is trending towards being available for Sunday's regular-season finale against Atlanta. In the six games since the Panthers' Week 11 bye, Wonnum has registered 26 tackles (13 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and one pass defense.

JANUARY 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Bryce Young, Panthers come up short with late rally in loss to Cardinals

Panthers release veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, rule out Jonathan Brooks for the season

Panthers GM Dan Morgan hits balance between upgrading defense, adding playmakers for QB Bryce Young

With Bryce Young settled at QB, Panthers can focus on rebuilding NFL's worst defense