While the season is over for the Carolina Panthers after their wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, top free agent DJ Wonnum is set to leave for a new team. According to sources, Wonnum is expected to leave in free agency, who has been slowing down on this defense. Despite signing Tershawn Wharton last offseason and having a healthy Derrick Brown on one unit, the Panthers haven’t seen much impact from Wonnum. Christian Rozeboom is a free agent, too, but the Panthers may lean on Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, who both were drafted as potential replacements for Rozeboom and Wonnum either way.
Top Panthers Free Agent DJ Wonnum Could Leave for These Teams in 2026
Don’t be surprised if the Panthers continue to overhaul their defense just like they did, signing Tre’Von Moehrig while weeding out the key starters who haven’t been impactful during the 2026 season. It’s hard to tell where Wonnum goes, but his potential and value, especially his potential contract worth, might be intriguing since it won’t be costly. It should make it easier for teams to offer the linebacker a cost-effective deal for two years, but is it worth the contract for potential alone?
Of course, Wonnum stayed healthy for a full season, recording 42 tackles, three sacks, three passes defensed and one interception. The linebacker won’t be the worst addition. He should be like a gem inside a glowing cave, so expect him to have some type of interest. Despite suffering a season-ending injury in 2023, the linebacker signed a two-year extension with the Panthers the following offseason. One can only imagine what these three teams could be willing to offer given he’s fully healthy.
Potential Next Destinations
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears’ defense this year isn’t anything like Minnesota or the Texans, but they have the talent that got them in the divisional round. Quarterback Caleb Williams has been clutch all season this year, in part due to the Bears’ defense, which has been able to stop the opposing offense on third down. However, the Bears are getting older in the linebacker group between TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. The team still has one of the best defensive lines after getting Grady Jarrett this past offseason to pair with Montez Sweat.
While they’ll focus on re-signing plenty of impending free agents in their secondary, they must address the depth of their defense. Wonnum is going to need to earn his role in this defense, but he’s better than D’Marco Jackson and Daniel Hardy.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have a ferocious interior line coming together with Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. The only thing stopping them is an edge rusher after trading away Micah Parsons in August. With Jadeveon Clowney planning to return, Dante Fowler Jr. is a free agent and might not return after having one of his worst seasons as an effective defensive player. If anything, the Cowboys should look into Wonnum at least on a one-year deal because he could be the “needle in the haystack” that they’re looking for.
Los Angeles Chargers
Speaking of gems, haystacks and underrated players, the Los Angeles Chargers still believe in an old-school defense. Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter may leave for a head coaching role in 2026, but Jim Harbaugh wants to continue to win games with a ferocious, physical defense. After signing Da’Shawn Hand, he was a true diamond in the rough signing that turned out to be solid alongside re-signing Teair Tart. Unfortunately, the team could lose Khalil Mack to retirement, and if that happens, the Chargers should sign Wonnum as a possible replacement.