DJ Wonnum joins the Lions after spending the 2025 season with the Carolina Panthers, where he played in 16 games and started 15. He recorded 42 tackles, four tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and even snagged an interception. In the playoffs, he added five tackles, a quarterback hit, and two passes defended in a narrow loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

This signing marks Detroit’s first defensive line addition of the offseason, giving support to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson and adding depth alongside Ahmed Hassanein and Tyler Lacy.

Why the Lions Chose Wonnum Over Muhammad

Interestingly, Wonnum’s deal mirrors the contract Muhammad received from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—a one-year contract worth up to $6 million. However, Detroit’s decision appears to be based on a few key factors:

1. Age and Team Direction
Wonnum (29) is slightly younger than Muhammad (31), fitting the Lions’ offseason trend of prioritizing players under 30 as part of a broader roster youth movement.

2. Durability and Snap Count
Wonnum proved to be a more consistent presence on the field. He logged 688 total snaps (29th-most among EDGE defenders) and played 68% of defensive snaps. In contrast, Muhammad played just 457 snaps (41%), limiting his overall impact despite solid efficiency.

3. Run Defense Value
Wonnum also contributed significantly more in run defense, playing 271 snaps compared to Muhammad’s 83. This added versatility likely appealed to Detroit’s coaching staff.

A Rebound Story With Upside

Wonnum’s 2025 season was a strong comeback after a serious quadriceps injury suffered during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite dealing with multiple surgeries and complications, including blood clots, he returned to form and showed durability across a full season.

Earlier in his career with Minnesota, Wonnum recorded two separate seasons with 8.0 sacks—highlighting a pass-rushing ceiling that Detroit may hope to unlock.

What This Means for Detroit’s Defense

While Wonnum may not be the elite pass rusher fans were hoping for, he brings reliability, versatility, and depth to the Lions’ defensive front. His ability to stay on the field and contribute against both the run and pass should stabilize the rotation.

The Lions could still target a top EDGE prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, but for now, Wonnum provides a solid foundation piece opposite Hutchinson.

Bottom line: Detroit didn’t just replace Muhammad—they may have upgraded in terms of availability, balance, and long-term fit.