The Carolina Panthers landed one pass-rush target, but reports indicate another signing at the position could still be on the way.
Former Minnesota Vikings edge rusher D.J. Wonnum agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth $12.5 million, multiple outlets reported Thursday afternoon.
Wonnum was scheduled for a visit with the Panthers Thursday. As were Chase Young and Jadeveon Clowney, the two other options the Panthers are considering as edge rush choices.
Wonnum will be a starter on the Panthers' defense immediately at outside linebacker.
It was a move that needed to happen after Carolina traded Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants earlier in the week.
Then Carolina also saw Yetur Gross-Matos sign a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
Pass rush depth was thin and not improving, until Wonnum became a realistic option for the Panthers.
Vonnum played at the University of South Carolina. Not far from Charlotte. He also scored his first NFL career touchdown in Charlotte, when he took a Bryce Young fumble 51 yards to the endzone in Week 4.
If the Panthers plan to pursue Clowney to complement Wonnum, it may be a lengthy process.
Clowney signed with the Cleveland Browns on May 22. Then, in the 2023 offseason, he didn't sign with the Baltimore Ravens until Aug. 18.
He takes his time.
But with the addition of an outside linebacker, it can be definitively said that the Panthers' roster is miles better than it was in 2023. Now, the players must go out on the field and prove it.
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