Nearly a week into the start of the new league year, the Detroit Lions have at long last found some help up front defensively to complement All-Pro EDGE Aidan Hutchinson.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions are signing former Carolina Panthers defensive end D.J. Wonnum. Per his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown, Wonnum is inking a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
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Wonnum tallied 42 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, three passes defended, one interception and one fumble recovery last season in 16 games and 15 starts with the Panthers.
Wonnum was initially drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft. In his six NFL seasons thus far, Wonnum has played in 86 career NFL regular-season games and started 54.
In his career, Wonnum has amassed 250 tackles, 59 quarterback hits, 32 tackles for loss, 30 sacks, 15 passes defended, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. Ironically, while still with the Vikings, Wonnum returned one of his two career fumble recoveries for a 51-yard touchdown against the Panthers on Oct. 1, 2023.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions sign former Panthers DE D.J. Wonnum