Trending Now - Lions Acquire EDGE D.J. Wonnum From Panthers

WHO:

D.J. Wonnum, EDGE, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings

Adam Schefter, ESPN reporter

David Newton, ESPN contributor

WHAT:

D.J. Wonnum signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions worth up to $6 million.

Wonnum has recorded 244 tackles (137 solo), 59 quarterback hits, 32 tackles for loss, 30.0 sacks, 15 pass defenses, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception in 86 career games (54 starts).

Wonnum had four sacks during the 2024 season and three sacks in the 2025 season while starting 15 games for the Panthers.

WHERE:

Allen Park, Michigan (Detroit Lions' announcement)

Charlotte, North Carolina (location of the Panthers' game mentioned)

WHEN:

Wonnum entered the NFL in 2020 after being selected in the fourth round (117th overall) of the NFL Draft.

Wonnum spent two seasons with the Carolina Panthers (2024-2025) and four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2020-2023).

The game where Wonnum sacked Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold occurred on December 28th, 2025.

WHY:

Wonnum was considered expendable by the Panthers due to his overall lack of production and the team's poor ranking in sacks and quarterback pressures.

HOW:

Wonnum's signing was facilitated through negotiations by his agents.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 17:25 UTC)

D.J. Wonnum has signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions worth up to $6 million, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and David Newton. The defensive end, who has recorded impressive stats over his career, including 30 sacks and 244 tackles, spent the last two seasons with the Carolina Panthers after four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. His move to the Lions comes after the Panthers deemed him expendable due to a lack of production and their struggles with sacks and quarterback pressures.