New Headline: Lions' Steady Footing Underlines Young Talent's Resiliency
The Detroit Lions finally add an edge rusher in during the 2026 free agency period.
Dec 28, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker D. J. Wonnum (98) reacts after a sack in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images It was only a matter of time, but the Detroit Lions have finally signed an edge rusher during the 2026 free agency period; multiple sources are reporting that the Lions have agreed to terms with D. J. Wommun on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
A fourth-round pick (No. 117 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Wonnum worked his way into their edge rotation as a rookie. Wonnum would go on to start 31 games for the Vikings over the next four seasons, then departed for the Carolina Panthers in 2024.
Over the last two seasons, Wonnum started 23 of 24 games. Wonnum has registered 30 sacks and averaged 32. 1 pressures per season (roughly two-and-a-quarter pressures per game) in the span of his career.