The Detroit Lions have completely avoided making any splashy signings or trades ahead of this season, with their biggest signing being Cade Mays. The center is set to start for the team and to help kick off their offensive line's new era, so it makes sense that he was such an important acquisition to make.
One smaller signing that felt like it got some criticism was D.J. Wonnum. The former Carolina Panther and Minnesota Viking is a solid veteran addition to the Lions' pass rush, but that might not be his greatest strength, nor where he contributes the most consistently to Detroit's defense.
Wonnum is a slightly stronger run-stopper than pass rusher, and that was a major area of concern for Detroit in 2025. His addition to the defense provides the Lions, and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, another piece to look at as they try to fix up that issue.
Wonnum could be a great stop-gap for Lions' porous run defense
Wonnum's 126 run stops and 193 quarterback pressures had to have appealed to the Lions when they signed him, as well as his 6-5 stature. That sort of length is what Detroit was missing in 2025, and it could help Wonnum to be as versatile a defender as he's claimed to be headed into training camp.
From team reporter Tim Twentyman's piece on Wonnum:
"They told me they'll be able to use my versatility within the defense," Wonnum said of his role in defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's scheme. "I'm excited about that. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win.
"I feel like I can do it all. I make plays in every phase of the game. I set the edge hard. I've gotten to the quarterback. I've dropped in coverage and gotten interceptions and things like that. I feel like I can bring a lot to the defense."
READ MORE: Ranking every NFC North receiving room entering the 2026 season
The numbers might not pop for Wonnum, but as mentioned in Twentyman's writeup on the edge, he had been dealing with injuries that have finally been addressed and rehabbed ahead of this offseason. So, we're ideally about to get the best version of Wonnum possible for training camp and as he battles rookie Derrick Moore for the EDGE2 spot.
Wonnum has the strength and size to keep pressure on defenses either in the pocket or if he's dropping back, and that's a valuable asset for Detroit after they were missing that extra, consistent 3-down guy on defense in 2025. His strength and speed in getting to the ball will surely help not only for the Lions' pass rush, but with their run defense, as well.
Add us as a preferred source on Google