Lions Sign D.J. Wonnum, Boosting Defensive Line

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9 days into the 2026 free agency period, the Detroit line signed Ed rusher DJ.

Want him to a 1-year contract worth up to $6 million.

This move bolsters their defensive line, positioning WANAM as a likely replacement for Marcus Davenport,

rather than Al Quad in Muhammad.

WANAM started his career as South Carolina, earning a starting spot in captaincy early

on before the Minnesota Vikings drafted him in the 4th round.

He worked into a rotation role with the Vikings, starting 31 games over 4 seasons, then signed

a 2-year deal with the Carolina Panthers.

In 2024, despite a major injury setback, that injury was a quadriceps tear on Christmas

Eve 2023, followed by 3 surgeries, a body rejecting stitches, a serious infection, and

blood clots from treatment.

Experts noted went beyond typical football woes into life-threatening territory, yet

WANAM bounced back to star 15 of 16 games last.

Season at 6-5 and 258 pounds, WANAM fits perfectly as a base-end opposite Aiden Hutchinson.

He's versatile from different stances, strong against the run with 126 run-stops career-wise,

and delivers steady pressure with.

30 sacks over 6 years, though not a sack artist.

This signing gives the Lions flexibility, but they still need more pass rushers with only

a few on the roster now.

Free agency has veterans available, and a deep draft class means they can add talent

without rushing, keeping options open for rotations across from Hutchinson.

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