Detroit Lions officials confirmed Wednesday they have brought aboard defensive end D.J. Wonnum as a free agent acquisition.
The 28-year-old pass rusher has agreed to a one-year contract with a maximum value of $6 million, sources indicate, though the Lions have not disclosed financial details.
During the previous season with Carolina, Wonnum appeared in 16 regular-season contests, earning starting assignments in 15 of those games. His statistical production included 42 total tackles, three quarterback sacks, four stops behind the line of scrimmage, four quarterback pressures, one picked-off pass and one fumble recovery. Wonnum also contributed five tackles as a starter in Carolina’s postseason appearance, which ended in a 34-31 defeat to Los Angeles in the NFC wild-card round.
Throughout his professional career spanning time with Minnesota from 2020-2023 and Carolina, Wonnum has accumulated 250 total tackles, 30 quarterback sacks, 32 tackles behind the line, 59 quarterback pressures, one interception, 15 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries across 86 regular-season appearances with 54 starts. One of those fumble recoveries resulted in a defensive touchdown.
The Vikings made Wonnum a fourth-round draft selection in 2020 after his collegiate career at South Carolina concluded.
