DJ Wonnum - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Lions may use NFL draft to address needs at offensive tackle and edge rusher

The Detroit Lions were not very aggressive in NFL free agency, choosing to save salary cap space to sign some key players to long-term extensions

5 DAYS AGO • Associated Press

Lions' D.J. Wonnum reveals how he plans to help unlock Aidan Hutchinson The Detroit Lions went into the 2026 offseason looking for a familiar need in the form of a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson. They hope the...

MARCH 25 • SIDELIONREPORT.COM

Panthers expert has a fair warning to Lions fans after D.J. Wonnum signing Detroit finally snagged a defensive end, but can he actually start long-term for the Lions?

MARCH 19 • SIDELIONREPORT.COM

Deadspin | Lions add edge rusher D.J. Wonnum Deadspin | Lions add edge rusher D.J. Wonnum

MARCH 18 • DEADSPIN.COM

D.J. Wonnum Signing Emphasizes Where Lions Seek to Improve in 2026 The Detroit Lions signed veteran defender D.J. Wonnum on Tuesday, putting a clear emphasis on one roster area they want to improve in.

MARCH 18 • DETROITJOCKCITY.COM

Lions' latest move with former Vikings draft pick is all meow, no roar Former Minnesota Vikings fourth-round draft pick, D.J. Wonnum, reportedly signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday.

MARCH 18 • THEVIKINGAGE.COM

Lions pass on re-signing Muhammad to sign D.J. Wonnum for the same price The Lions finally bring in a pass rusher! And for the same price as Al-Quadin Muhammad?

MARCH 18 • SIDELIONREPORT.COM

Links up with Lions Detroit is signing Wonnum to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Impact Wonnum spent the past two seasons with Carolina following four campaigns with the Vikings. He started 37 of the 39 regular-season games in which he appeared over the past three seasons, recording 15.0 sacks and 10 defensed passes over that span. Wonnum could compete for a starting job with Detroit, though such a role isn't guaranteed.

MARCH 18 • ROTOWIRE

Panthers' price just went up on a potential D.J. Wonnum replacement This deserves further examination.

MARCH 1 • CATCRAVE.COM

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.

JANUARY 6 • 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

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Lions may use NFL draft to address needs at offensive tackle and edge rusher

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