D.J. Wonnum, the new Carolina Panthers edge rusher, is making it plain straight away that he is not Brian Burns.
The Panthers signed Wonnum after moving Burns to the New York Giants last week, prompting speculation that Carolina sees Wonnum as Burns’ replacement.
However, Wonnum does not desire that type of pressure.
“Well, I’m not looking to replace anybody,” Wonnum told Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire. “I want to be the best version of myself, the best player I believe I can be. And, based on the footage I’ve released, I’m clearly capable of starting every down. I can play the run, pass rush, drop into coverage, and do anything the coach needs. Obviously, going here and coming here will allow me to exhibit that. And the future looks bright for me and the Carolina Panthers.”
Wonnum is coming off a spectacular 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played 15 games and recorded up 62 tackles, eight sacks, a fumble recovery, and a defence
In fact, he had the same number of sacks as Burns this past season. Of course, Wonnum was also paired with superstar pass rusher Danielle Hunter in Minnesota, and he won’t have that luxury with the Panthers.
The Vikings picked the 26-year-old, who played college football at the University of South Carolina, in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft.
He had a very quiet first season, recording 24 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble in 14 games. The following year, Wonnum improved significantly, playing in every game and recording 47 tackles, eight sacks, and a forced fumble.
The Stone Mountain, Georgia native then took a step back in 2022, recording 38 tackles and four sacks before returning nicely this past year.
We’ll see what D.J. Wonnum can do in Burns’ absence in 2024.
