The Carolina Panthers successfully secured one of their desired pass-rushers on Thursday, but they remain keen on bolstering their options in that position.
D.J. Wonnum, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, has agreed to a two-year contract worth $12.5 million, as per a source familiar with the negotiations. Wonnum was among three edge rushers slated to meet with the Panthers on Thursday for discussions and evaluations. However, Chase Young, the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, departed without a deal and is set to meet with the New Orleans Saints on Friday. Meanwhile, veteran Jadeveon Clowney, a Charlotte native and the first overall pick in 2014, is scheduled to meet with the Panthers on Thursday night.
As for his role, the 26-year-old Wonnum is expected to step in as a starting outside linebacker for a defense that has seen the departure of its top two edge rushers. With Brian Burns traded to the New York Giants and Yetur Gross-Matos signing with San Francisco, the Panthers are also letting veteran Marquis Haynes explore other opportunities. Wonnum’s signing aims to address the significant pass-rush vacuum left, particularly with Burns no longer in the lineup.
In terms of the team’s plans for the future, Wonnum’s acquisition is part of a broader strategy to fill the void left by departing players. His signing comes after two other Vikings edge rushers found new homes in free agency, with Danielle Hunter moving to Houston and Marcus Davenport remaining in the NFC North with the Lions. Given Wonnum’s background, he holds significance for fans in the Carolinas, having played college football at South Carolina and leaving his mark with notable achievements, including being named a permanent team captain in 2017.
While Wonnum may have been the most financially viable option among the Panthers’ edge rush targets, his signing signals the team’s willingness to invest in their defense, even after significant spending in free agency. The Panthers have already exceeded $200 million in spending before Wonnum’s addition, which could test their financial boundaries. Nonetheless, they view Wonnum as a promising fit for their defensive scheme under Ejiro Evero, aiming to maximize his potential and productivity as they strive to shore up their pass rush.