Detroit Lions defensive end DJ Wonnum is on his way to the Motor City on what turns out is a bargain bin win of a deal for Brad Holmes and Co. Per KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson, the deal is for one year and is worth $3 million, with a $900K signing bonus, $2.27 million fully guaranteed, and his official salary being $1.37 million.
Wonnum is a steal at that rate. During two of his last healthy seasons in 2023 and 2021, Wonnum had eight sacks apiece. He tore his quad against Detroit in December 2023 and ended up missing half of the 2024 season.
Wonnum represents a strong specialist who'll likely be in a depth role with Payton Turner and Aidan Hutchinson for however long he could stick around on the Lions' depth chart. It was assumed Detroit would need to pay roughly double of what Wonnum got.
Brad Holmes cooked with this deal. With more money to spend elsewhere, perhaps a defensive back could be had with the extra funds. It was a well done move for the front office on Wonnum's one-year, low-cost salary.
DJ Wonnum's Connections to Lions' Staff Could Pay Dividends
After two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Wonnum is returning to the NFC North. Wonnum spent the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, which he admitted gave him familiarity with Dan Campbell's culture.
Wonnum also revealed a strong connection to Detroit defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, whom Wonnum admits he and his friends looked up to back in the day when Sheppard played on the LSU Tigers and later the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Lions.
"I love the physical nature, the winning culture that the Lions have had over the past few years," Wonnum said this past week. "And being familiar (from) playing in Minnesota a little bit, and then being able to come back to the North, which I'm very familiar with, was a big part of my decision. And then the familiarity with the coaching staff. Just being around those guys, being able to meet them. And obviously having that relationship with Shep was a big decision for me."
While Sheppard wasn't a popular figure in Detroit after the Lions' collapse defensively last season, he does still have clout with players. And that helped Wonnum sign with Detroit.
Let's hope his connection with Wonnum will get the most out of the edge rusher this coming fall. Especially on the deal the Lions were able to get him for.