Bears lose out to Panthers on former Vikings pass rusher before planned visit
DJ Wonnum, originally set for a free agency visit with the Chicago Bears, has instead signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. Despite the Bears’ active dealings during this free agency period, including signings like running back D’Andre Swift, center Coleman Shelton, and backup quarterback Brett Rypien, they’ve missed out on securing the Minnesota Vikings defensive end. Wonnum’s change of plans indicates the Panthers successfully convinced him during his visit to Charlotte, as reported by ESPN’s Courtney Cronin and NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
The potential impact DJ Wonnum could have had on the Bears
Wonnum, a fourth-round selection in 2020, had spent his entire career with the Vikings before securing his new deal. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 258 pounds, the defensive end showcased his prowess in a standout season, starting 14 of 15 games played. He amassed impressive statistics, including 62 combined tackles (33 solo, 29 assisted), 8.0 sacks, six passes defended, and one fumble returned for a touchdown. Over his four years with the Vikings, Wonnum compiled a total of 171 combined tackles (105 solo, 66 assisted), 23.0 sacks, 11 passes defended, and two forced fumbles during the regular season.
The Bears’ failure to secure Wonnum means they must now explore other options in the pass-rushing market. While they have bolstered their secondary through recent moves, significant transactions involving the defensive frontline have yet to materialize. Apart from Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, the Bears lack depth in EDGE pieces, with the team ranking second to last in the league with just 30.0 sacks in 2023.
Nevertheless, with the free agency period in its early stages, Chicago still has ample time to address this pressing need. Bears fans can also anticipate the excitement of the upcoming NFL draft, where the team holds the number-one overall pick, likely to be used on USC standout Caleb Williams in 2024. Additionally, the prospect of D’Andre Swift contributing to the team’s yardage adds to the anticipation.
Overall, the Bears are determined to rebound from a relatively subdued 2023 season.
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