Lions Sign Veteran OLB D.J. Wonnum to One-Year Deal

How can the former Vikings and Panthers defender help Detroit's defense?

Mar. 18, 2026 at 11:04am

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The Detroit Lions have signed free agent outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million. Wonnum, a hybrid defensive end/linebacker, has played six seasons in the NFL, the first four with the Minnesota Vikings and the last two with the Carolina Panthers. The Lions are looking to Wonnum to help shore up their defensive end position opposite star Aidan Hutchinson.

Why it matters

The Lions are thin at defensive end after losing Al-Quadin Muhammad, who had a career-high 11 sacks last season. Wonnum doesn't have Muhammad's pass-rushing production, but he may be a better fit for Detroit's defensive scheme as an every-down player who excels in run defense.

The details

Wonnum has played at least 50% of his team's defensive snaps in each of his six NFL seasons, including 68% of the Panthers' snaps last year. He earned a 61.6 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus in 2022, though his pass-rush grade was lower at 50.4. In his career, Wonnum has 30 total sacks, with a career-high 8 in 2023 with the Vikings.

  • Wonnum signed a one-year contract with the Lions on March 18, 2026.

The players

D.J. Wonnum

A 28-year-old outside linebacker who has spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers.

Aidan Hutchinson

The Lions' standout defensive end who had a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2025.

Al-Quadin Muhammad

The defensive end who departed the Lions in free agency after recording a career-high 11 sacks in 2022.

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What’s next

The Lions will look to integrate Wonnum into their defensive scheme and see if he can provide a boost to their pass rush opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

The takeaway

By signing Wonnum, the Lions are addressing their need for depth and experience at defensive end, even if he doesn't have the same pass-rushing prowess as the departed Al-Quadin Muhammad. Wonnum's ability to play the run and his durability make him a solid addition to Detroit's defense.