Panthers showcase FAs DJ Wonnum and Damien Lewis

ASSOCIATED PRESS

D.J. Wonnum, who racked up a career-best eight sacks for the Minnesota Vikings last year, brings those pass-rushing skills to the Carolina Panthers via free agency.

With more than four minutes remaining in the third quarter of the Carolina Panthers’ Week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium, quarterback Bryce Young had the offense moving, in position to expand their 13-7 advantage.

D.J. Wonnum took on a double-team as Harrison Smith blazed into the backfield unblocked. The Vikings’ free safety strip-sacked Young near the 40-yard line, the ball bouncing three times as Wonnum sidestepped Panthers tackle Taylor Moton. Wonnum picked up the fumble and rambled 51 yards for the game-altering play. The Vikings went on to win 21-13 and the Panthers finished an NFL-worst 2-15.

Wonnum is among the first wave of free agents who signed with the Panthers last week.

During Monday’s Zoom call with reporters Monday, Wonnum was asked if his scoop and score highlight was showcased during his free agent visit with team officials.

Wonnum laughed and said: “No comment.”

What Wonnum did want to talk about, however, was the two new guards – Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis – Carolina brought in to improve protection for Young and the possibility of joining fellow South Carolina standout Jadeveon Clowney.

“That would be big,” Wonnum said, adding he recently spoke to the 2014 No. 1 overall draft pick. “It’s his decision at the end of the day. Who knows? I would love to play with a guy like that.”

With the 31-year-old Clowney still on the market, the Panthers missed out on their top free-agent target as Chase Young signed with the New Orleans Saints on Monday.

A 6-foot-5, 258-pounder, Wonnum compiled 23 sacks in four NFL seasons. The 2020 fourth-round pick generated a career-high eight sacks last season.

With the Panthers coming off six consecutive losing seasons and nearly three months removed from capping one of the worst campaigns in franchise history, Wonnum said he’s optimistic the recent moves will provide a competitive foundation.

“This offseason was big,” he said.

Along with Wonnum, linebacker Josey Jewell, cornerback Dane Jackson, and safety Jordan Fuller were brought aboard as defensive reinforcements.

Wonnum suffered a partially torn quad last December and missed the final two games. He said Monday he’s unsure if he will participate in OTAs.

“I’m trying to get my leg right,” he said. “Can’t give you a timeline.”

When Wonnum does return, he will have an opportunity to prove he can be an every-down player.

“With the film I’ve put out there, I can be an every-down starter,” he said. “I can do whatever the coach wants me to do. Coming here, I will be able to showcase that.”

Panthers invest heavily to protect Young

With the high-priced signings of Lewis and Hunt, the Panthers invested four years, $53 million on Hunt and five years, $100 million on Hunt, the second-largest deal for a guard in NFL history.

Did the Panthers overspend? Time will tell, but after Young endured 62 sacks as a rookie, the offensive line needed attention. And, according to Lewis, a new attitude.

“In my head, I’m thinking I’m (going to) punish you every play,” he said. “I’m (going to) set the tone.

“I’m thinking about putting your face in the ground.”   

Last season, the Panthers couldn’t stay healthy at either guard position. New coach Dave Canales plans to move Austin Corbett from guard to center next season to make room for Lewis and Hunt.
“I can’t wait to get out there,” Lewis said, adding he felt “blessed” to join Carolina as a free agent during a time when guards are finally getting their due. “I don’t take this for granted.”

The Lewis-Hunt duo ranks as the most expensive guard combination in the NFL.

Wonnum said the investment aided his decision to sign.

“I feel like the coaches and the upstairs staff did a good job of bringing in the big guys to help Bryce Young,” he said.

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