Detroit Lions Land Pass Rusher With 30 Career Sacks

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Lions have signed D.J. Wonnum to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million. The former fourth-round pick with 30 career sacks across 55 total starts is on his third team and entering his seventh year in the NFL. Wonnum aims to return to his 2023 form, when he tied his career high with six sacks before suffering a significant injury on Christmas Eve.

Here’s a quick review of his last two seasons

The Carolina Panthers signed D.J. Wonnum to a two-year, $12.5 million contract in 2024. He missed the first nine games due to complications from the torn quad he sustained on Christmas Eve, which required three different surgeries, including his body rejecting the stitches, an MRSA infection, and blood clots. Wonnum recorded 37 tackles, four TFLs, 26 pressures, six quarterback hits, four sacks, and one forced fumble across eight games.

D.J. Wonnum was less productive at rushing the passer in 2025 but was more effective against the run. He recorded 47 tackles, four TFLs, five quarterback hits, three sacks, and one interception across 17 games and 16 starts. Wonnum also posted 31 pressures, 19 run stops, and a 6.8% stop rate.