Despite signing with the Carolina Panthers last season, they could trade linebacker DJ Wonnum at some point during the 2025 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, they believe the Panthers could trade Wonnum and get some decent return since he will become a free agent next offseason. This trade would make a lot of sense if the Panthers endure another losing season and they decide to fire-sell on plenty of talent. It would allow the opportunity for the younger linebackers like Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, while they potentially embrace the rebuild.
After recording 37 tackles and four sacks in eight games last season, it secured a spot for Wonnum to stay as the starting linebacker. Originally selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, the former South Carolina product didn’t start in Week 1 of this 2025 campaign, but he did play 73% of snaps, so it seems like the Panthers want to keep him in the fold for now. The linebacker spent the first three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Panthers, bringing a wealth of experience to the table as a potential defensive threat in the postseason for a contender. It’s still early to tell about any possible trade candidate, but it’s always a fun time to speculate on what might happen in the following weeks as the regular season progresses.
Breaking: Panthers Projected to Trade Former Fourth-Round Pick DJ Wonnum – 4 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the deepest linebacker groups in the league. The defense was too powerful that they found a way to stop the Kansas City offense, but with Denzel Perryman nursing an injury, they could use some solid help. It’s not the biggest need for the Chargers. Still, when you have the momentum in your stride after defeating the Chiefs, they should stack on talent and give their star linebacker, Khalil Mack, plenty of guys who can replicate his ability to get after the quarterback.
This isn’t to say that Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye, Kyle Kennard and Tuli Tuipulotu can’t do the same, but they should build upon their enormous talent.
Baltimore Ravens
With the way the Baltimore Ravens got run all over in their matchup against Buffalo, they could use a late fill at the linebacker position. Even though they have talent similar to what the Chargers have, they’re risking the fact that Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are all becoming free agents next offseason. Wonnum would be a solid trade for their postseason push and would upgrade the pass-rush alongside Roquan Smith and Teddye Buchanan.
Dallas Cowboys
However, the Dallas Cowboys are in dire need of a linebacker. There is room for improvement between Jack Sanborn, Kenneth Murray Jr. and Damone Clark. While they did bring in Jadeveon Clowney for a visit, he has options and left without a deal. Wonnum probably won’t start immediately in this defense, but it could boost their run defense after trading Micah Parsons.
Washington Commanders
When you have two veterans in Bobby Wagner and Von Miller as your starting linebackers, it’s safer to start looking now to invest in the linebacker future. The Commanders are never afraid to sneak in and make a late trade. Marshon Lattimore was an example of that last year. Perhaps, they could take a chance on Wonnum to boost the core group.
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