Former Vikings Pass Rusher Signs with Lions

Dustin Baker |

Mar 18, 2026

A Detroit Lions helmet in the preseason of 2018 at Tampa Bay — Aug 24, 2018; Tampa, FL, USA; General view of a Detroit Lions helmet sitting on the bench during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

In the last week, the Detroit Lions have signed former Minnesota Vikings players Teddy Bridgewater and Tyler Conklin — and they made it a trifecta on Tuesday evening by signing defensive end D.J. Wonnum.

Detroit kept mining former Vikings for roster help.

Wonnum spent the last two seasons in Carolina, and now he’s in line to grab some serious playing time in Detroit.

Where D.J. Wonnum Fits in the Lions’ Teensy EDGE Rotation

The Lions’ EDGE depth is skinny.

D.J. Wonnum celebrating with teammate during Panthers preseason game. D.J. Wonnum Lions. — Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) celebrates with cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (26) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium, showing early-game energy as Carolina’s defense set the tone in front of a home crowd during preseason action. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Wonnum to DET

It’s back to the NFC North for Wonnum. ESPN’s David Newton wrote Tuesday, “Free agent defensive end D.J. Wonnum is signing a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Detroit Lions, his agents told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Wonnum heads to Detroit after a two-year stint with the Carolina Panthers. He didn’t get on the field with Carolina until midway through the 2024 season due to a quad injury he suffered with the Minnesota Vikings and was limited to four sacks.”

“He had only three sacks this past season despite starting 15 games for the Panthers. Wonnum’s overall lack of production for a team that ranked near the bottom of the NFL in sacks and quarterback pressures made him expendable in Carolina, particularly since the Panthers would have to pay him $825,000 in dead money on top of a new deal.”

Wonnum created a few notable memories in Minnesota, notably a game-ending sack on Aaron Rodgers during his rookie season when the Vikings took down the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

The Lions’ DEs Right Now

If you happen to be a Lions enthusiast reading this article — unlikely — shield your eyes.

Per the current depth chart, Wonnum would actually be on tap to start in 2026 if the regular season began tonight. Here’s a look at the defensive end depth:

Aidan Hutchinson
D.J. Wonnum
Ahmed Hassanein
Tyler Lacy

For a team that will claim Super Bowl aspirations, that just isn’t enough EDGE help. General manager Brad Holmes may be forced to select a pass rusher in Round 1 — and maybe multiple throughout the draft.

Pride of Detroit‘s Eric Schlitt on the Wonnum transaction: “While not a flashy signing, Wonnum has plenty of starting experience and can function as a rotational piece on the edge for the Lions in 2026. He’ll likely need to be paired with another veteran free agency pass rusher or a rookie from the 2026 NFL. Draft.”

“At 6-foot-5, 258 pounds, Wonnum has shown the range to line up with his hand in the dirt or standing up on the edge, while also pushing inside on pass-rushing downs. He has a solid, long frame and possesses a variety of pass-rushing moves in his tool bag.”

Wonnum’s Bio

The Vikings drafted Wonnum in the 4th Round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He initially served as a situational pass rusher, most notably disrupting the Chicago Bears while struggling against other teams — a point of humor within the division and among Vikings fans. However, Wonnum has since evolved into a more quasi-consistent threat, applying pressure to quarterbacks on a weekly basis.

T.J. Hockenson blocking D.J. Wonnum during Vikings vs Lions game. D.J. Wonnum Lions. — Oct 10, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) engages with Minnesota Vikings defensive end D.J. Wonnum (98) during a game at U.S. Bank Stadium, battling at the line of scrimmage in a divisional matchup that featured physical play throughout the afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Over his 86-game career, with 54 starts, Wonnum has recorded 30 sacks. He also scored a crucial touchdown against Carolina in October 2023, shifting the game’s momentum and helping to keep Minnesota’s season alive.

Last season with the Panthers, Wonnum played in 16 games, recording 42 tackles, 3 sacks, 29 pressures, one quarterback hit, and an interception. Starting in 15 of those games, his statistics are more typical of a rotational EDGE rusher than a full-time starter.

The 2025 season confirmed what Vikings fans had long suspected: Wonnum thrives as a depth EDGE rusher, providing energy and pressure in specific situations without the demands of a full-time starting role.

Here’s his Pro Football Focus resume through six seasons:

2025: 56.7
2024: 55.0
2023: 62.3
2022: 57.7
2021: 50.5
2020: 51.1

All the Lions’ Free Agency Moves

Detroit has been busier in free agency than Minnesota, but generally speaking, that hasn’t been hard. Here’s a look at their newcomer signings and extensions: