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Lions Sign Edge D.J. Wonnum to One-Year Deal Worth Up to $6 Million

The move supplies veteran depth opposite Aidan Hutchinson, not a high-end pass-rush upgrade.

Overview

  • Wonnum agreed to join Detroit after a March 17 visit, with his agents confirming a one-year pact reported by Adam Schefter and Tom Pelissero.
  • The 28-year-old becomes Detroit’s first edge addition of 2026 free agency and is expected to work in a rotation as a base end.
  • Across six NFL seasons with Minnesota and Carolina, he has 30 sacks, 250 tackles, 86 games and 54 starts.
  • He posted three sacks in 2025 and a 49.9 PFF pass-rush grade, following a 2023 quadriceps tear and subsequent medical complications.
  • Detroit still lacks proven depth at defensive end after Al-Quadin Muhammad departed and Marcus Davenport remained unsigned, and analysts recommend pursuing more pass-rush help via free agency or the draft.