Photo: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Free Agent Pass Rusher DJ Wonnum to Visit Bears on Thursday

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated 3/12/24

Ryan Poles is checking off his to-do list this offseason. Although quarterback remains atop the list, Poles has solidified his backfield by adding D'Andre Swift and reinforced the safety position with the addition of Kevin Byard. Now, with reports that the Bears are involved in the receiving market, they're also very much in the defensive line market.

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bears will host free agent pass rusher DJ Wonnum for a visit on Thursday. On Wednesday, the former Minnesota Viking will also visit the Carolina Panthers.

Free agent pass rusher D.J. Wonnum headed to Carolina on Wednesday to meet with the #Panthers, then to Chicago with the #Bears on Thursday, per source.

Wonnum an intriguing option after eight sacks with the Vikings.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 12, 2024

Last season, Wonnum posted 8.0 sacks with the Vikings. 2023 marked the second season in which Wonnum recorded 8.0 sacks, as he matched that total in 2021. However, 2022 was a weird down year for Wonnum before his bounce back in 2023.

Wonnum also added 62 total tackles and six passes defended in 15 games last season. The big 26-year-old profiles as a Bears speciality, as he can rush the passer from the inside or outside.

#Bears love defensive lineman that are versatile. Wonnum can get kicked inside or rush from the outside.

pic.twitter.com/kbqWlxxeTY
— Sky Kruse (@KruseSports_) March 12, 2024

Wonnum marks the second former Viking that the Bears are linked to. Reports from February indicated that the Bears would be pursuing DE Danielle Hunter in free agency. Hunter is coming off an outstanding year opposite Wonnum with the Bears' NFC North rival.

Wonnum's number will be interesting to observe, but there is certainly the possibility that the Bears attempt to acquire both Wonnum and Hunter. If they're successful, they can focus their draft capital on the offensive side of the ball, and attempt to put a division contender on the field in 2024.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: