D.J. Wonnum signs with Detroit Lions, first edge defender added

D.J. Wonnum, 28, has had three sacks in every season since 2020, when the Vikings drafted him in the fourth round out of South Carolina.

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. Hutchinson is coming off a 14 1/2-sack season after a broken leg cut his 2024 season short, while Hassanein didn’t appear in a game during his 2025 rookie season after suffering a severe pectoral injury in the preseason.

The Lions also roster a few defensive linemen who profile as inside defenders but have some experience on the edge, such as Levi Onwuzurike, Tyler Lacy, and Alim McNeill, as well as strong-side (Sam) linebacker Derrick Barnes.

What are D.J. Wonnum’s stats?

Wonnum has been a relatively consistent pass-rushing presence throughout his six seasons in the league. His numbers peaked in 2021, when he had 42 pressures and eight sacks, but he was on track to best or match both marks in 2024, which was cut short by complications stemming from quad surgery the previous year.

Last season, Wonnum registered 31 pressures — fewest since his rookie season (22) — and had three sacks to go with 42 combined tackles, a fumble recovery and three pass deflections.

During the 2023 season, his final in Minnesota, Wonnum set career-highs in pass breakups (six), tackles (62) and tied career-highs in sacks (eight), tackles-for-loss (seven) and quarterback hits (15).

nbianchi@detroitnews.com

@nolanbianchi

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