It was only a matter of time, but the Detroit Lions have finally signed an edge rusher during the 2026 free agency period; multiple sources are reporting that the Lions have agreed to terms with D.J. Wommun on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
A fourth-round pick (No. 117 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Wonnum worked his way into their edge rotation as a rookie. Wonnum would go on to start 31 games for the Vikings over the next four seasons, then departed for the Carolina Panthers in 2024. Over the last two seasons, Wonnum started 23 of 24 games. Wonnum has registered 30 sacks and averaged 32.1 pressures per season (roughly two-and-a-quarter pressures per game) in the span of his career.
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.
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.
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