Panthers Sign D.J. Wonnum: Is Jadeveon Clowney Next?
The Carolina Panthers have made a significant move in their pursuit of pass-rushers by signing D.J. Wonnum, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings. Wonnum agreed to a two-year contract worth $12.5 million, according to a league source. This is a major addition for the Panthers, who are looking to bolster their defense even further.
Wonnum was one of three edge rushers who had scheduled meetings with the Panthers on Thursday. Chase Young, the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, left without a deal and is expected to meet with the New Orleans Saints next. Another notable player on the Panthers’ radar is Jadeveon Clowney, a Charlotte-area native and the first overall pick in the 2014 draft. Clowney is set to meet with the Panthers on Thursday night.
With the addition of Wonnum, the Panthers have filled a crucial position on their defense. The 26-year-old will immediately step into the role of starting outside linebacker, as the team has lost both Brian Burns and Yetur Gross-Matos. Burns was traded to the New York Giants earlier this week, while Gross-Matos signed a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. The Panthers are also allowing veteran pass rusher Marquis Haynes to explore other options in free agency.
The Panthers are relying on Wonnum to bring his game to the next level after a couple of productive seasons with the Vikings. He will have big shoes to fill, as the team looks to replace a significant amount of pass-rush production, particularly in Burns’ absence. Wonnum’s performance will be crucial to the success of the Panthers’ defense.
Wonnum has a history in the Carolinas, having played college football at South Carolina. He made a name for himself during his time there, ranking in the top 10 in school history for tackles for loss. In 2017, he became one of only three sophomores to be named a permanent team captain in the Gamecocks’ history. Panthers fans may also remember Wonnum for his memorable play last season, when he scored his first career touchdown on a fumble return in a game against the Vikings.
In terms of the Panthers’ salary cap, Wonnum is likely the most affordable option among their edge rusher targets. However, the team has already surpassed $200 million in free agency spending, pushing the limits of their budget. The Panthers had around $16 million in cap space entering Thursday, but that didn’t include the contracts for all of their acquisitions.
Looking ahead, Wonnum is expected to thrive in the Panthers’ 3-4 defensive system under coordinator Ejiro Evero. With two eight-sack seasons under his belt in Minnesota, Wonnum has already shown promise as a pass rusher. The Panthers believe he can be even more disruptive and increase his productivity with their team.
Overall, the addition of D.J. Wonnum is a significant move for the Carolina Panthers as they continue to strengthen their defense. With the possibility of signing Jadeveon Clowney still on the table, the Panthers are showing their commitment to building a formidable pass rush. As the team continues to make moves in free agency, fans can expect an exciting and competitive season ahead.