The Detroit Lions are aiming for a strong comeback after falling short of the playoffs in 2025. In recent seasons, the team has consistently been in the postseason race, but recurring injuries have repeatedly disrupted their progress. Their roster has taken significant hits over time, exposing a lack of depth in key areas.

To address this, Detroit is focused on strengthening its lineup across the board. Now that the initial wave of free agency has settled, the team has made a notable addition to boost its pass rush by signing former Carolina Panthers edge rusher DJ Wonnum to a deal worth up to $6 million.

Wonnum entered the league as a fourth-round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. After spending four years there, he moved to Carolina on a two-year contract in 2023. During his time with the Panthers, he appeared in 16 games, starting nearly all of them, and finished with 42 tackles, three sacks, three pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. He now joins a Detroit squad with aspirations of returning to title contention.

There’s a realistic opportunity for Wonnum to earn a starting role next season. While standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson is firmly locked into one defensive end spot, the role on the opposite side remains unsettled. Tyler Lacy filled that position last year, but beyond him—and Ahmed Hassanein, who didn’t see action in 2025—the Lions lack depth at natural defensive end.

Detroit still has multiple avenues to upgrade its roster in the coming weeks. In addition to free agency, the team holds the 17th overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, along with several selections on Days 2 and 3. After finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs, the Lions are determined to reshape their outlook and push for a deeper postseason run in 2026.