Detroit Lions Sign D.J. Wonnum to One-Year Deal

Veteran pass rusher brings depth and versatility to the Lions' defensive line.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 7:38am

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The Detroit Lions have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum. The deal is worth up to $6 million and is expected to provide the Lions with a proven rotational pass rusher who can contribute from multiple positions along the defensive line.

Why it matters

The signing of Wonnum highlights the Lions' strategy of prioritizing depth and versatility on the defensive line, a growing trend in the NFL. Having multiple players who can effectively rush the passer can significantly impact a defense's ability to maintain pressure throughout a game.

The details

Wonnum, a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, has started 31 games over his career with the Vikings and Carolina Panthers. He has accumulated 30 sacks and averaged around 32 pressures per season. At 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, Wonnum offers positional versatility, capable of lining up in a three-point stance or standing up, and can be utilized on inside pass-rushing downs.

  • Wonnum agreed to the one-year contract with the Lions on March 18, 2026.

The players

D.J. Wonnum

A fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, Wonnum has started 31 games over his career with the Vikings and Carolina Panthers, accumulating 30 sacks and averaging around 32 pressures per season.

Detroit Lions

The NFL team based in Detroit, Michigan, that has agreed to a one-year contract with free agent defensive lineman D.J. Wonnum.

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What’s next

The Lions may still look to add another veteran edge rusher or utilize a draft pick to further strengthen the position in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Lions' signing of D.J. Wonnum is a clear indication of the growing trend in the NFL of prioritizing depth and versatility on the defensive line. Teams are increasingly recognizing the importance of having multiple players who can effectively rush the passer, rather than relying on a single star.