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The Lions have signed veteran edge defender D.J. Wonnum to a one-year deal, adding a consistent pass-rusher to their defense.
The Detroit Lions have finally added an edge defender in free agency. Veteran D. J.
Wonnum has reached an agreement to join the Lions on a one-year deal after working out for the team on Tuesday, his agency confirmed via social media. Full financials of the deal are not immediately known. Wonnum, 28, has had three sacks in every season since 2020, when the Minnesota Vikings drafted him in the fourth round out of South Carolina.
He had eight sacks in the 2021 and 2023 seasons, both with Minnesota, before compiling seven total sacks over his last two seasons with the Carolina Panthers. He had four sacks in 2024 but was limited to eight games because of injury and health complications. Wonnum is the first defensive lineman to join Detroit in free agency and the third outside free-agent signing on defense, along with defensive backs Christian Izien and Roger McCreary .
How many edge defenders do the Lions have? The addition of Wonnum gives Detroit three true edge defenders on the roster and two defensive ends with starting experience. The Lions also have star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and Ahmed Hassanein.