DJ Wonnum: Everything you need to know

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

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. 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.

Wonnum recorded four tackles (two solo), including 2.0 sacks, in a loss to New Orleans on Sunday. 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.