Smart move for the Cardinals! Browning’s edge rush skills could be a game-changer for their defense.
Dec 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick (2) throws under pressure from Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning (56) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Fresh off three consecutive wins, the Cardinals made a strategic move on Monday, bringing in edge rusher Baron Browning from the Broncos in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft.
The team’s trade for Browning is pending a physical, and it’s a noteworthy addition. Originally a third-round pick in 2021 out of Ohio State, Browning has achieved 9.5 career sacks so far. The Cardinals gave up just a sixth-round pick for the promising edge rusher.
Browning was starting this season with the Broncos until he injured his left foot in Week 2 against the Steelers, which landed him on Injured Reserve.
“I don’t know him personally, but I did a lot of work on him when he came out (for the draft),” said Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon, who was the Eagles’ defensive coordinator at the time. “I really liked the character and the seriousness of the guy. He’s a well-rounded player.”
The NFL’s transaction list also noted that the Cardinals released cornerback Darren Hall on Monday, which seems to have created the roster spot needed for Browning.
Browning adds versatility the Cardinals value
Initially drafted as an inside linebacker, Browning transitioned to an edge rusher in 2022. His path mirrors that of Zaven Collins, whom the Cardinals selected as an inside linebacker in 2021 but later shifted to edge under Gannon’s guidance last season.
This season, the Cardinals leaned into versatility by signing Mack Wilson Sr., a linebacker often deployed as a pass rusher. Wilson has taken on a dynamic role, rushing the quarterback on 70 snaps and covering passes on 71 snaps in the past four games.
Adding Browning gives the Cardinals a third player who can switch between both roles.
“You can talk to offenses, but I would assume it’s harder for those guys to prepare because you don’t know what structures we’re gonna be in,” Gannon said. “He fits that mold. So we like versatile people and he’s had some good production.”
Browning hasn’t recorded any sacks this season, but he’s generated five pressures on 79 pass-rush snaps and allowed only one completion when he dropped back in coverage.
Cardinals Bolster pass rush with low-risk move
Just three weeks ago, the Cardinals were 2-4 and coming off a challenging loss in coach Jonathan Gannon’s tenure. But they’ve turned things around, rising to the top of the NFC West with a string of wins.
To maintain momentum, the team recognized the need for pass-rush reinforcements. Although they managed six sacks in Sunday’s victory over the Chicago Bears, Arizona’s pass-rush has been inconsistent, particularly with outside linebackers B.J. Ojulari and Dennis Gardeck sidelined by ACL injuries.
With the playoffs in sight, the front office acted. Browning’s 9.5 career sacks show his potential, though recent injuries and fit issues in Denver limited his impact. Sometimes a fresh start is all it takes.
This trade shows the Cardinals’ commitment to winning, sending an encouraging signal to the locker room with a low-risk investment that offers a high potential payoff.
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I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
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