With the NFL trade deadline closing in, the Arizona Cardinals have made a key move to strengthen their defense by trading for Denver Broncos pass rusher Baron Browning, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. In exchange for Browning, the Cardinals are sending a 2025 sixth-round draft pick to Denver.
Browning, a third-round draft pick from Ohio State in 2021, has had a quiet season so far due to injuries, with seven tackles and no sacks over five games. He spent part of the year on injured reserve with a lingering foot injury, which also kept him out of Denver’s current defensive rotation. Despite his limited play this season, Browning’s overall potential remains appealing; the 25-year-old outside linebacker, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, has shown solid production in previous years. Over the 2022-23 seasons, Browning racked up 9.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and defended four passes across 24 games, underscoring his capability when healthy.
The Cardinals’ need for depth in pass rushing and along the defensive line has been amplified by a series of setbacks to key players. Prior to the season, Arizona lost pass rusher BJ Ojulari to a knee injury during training camp, and recently, Dennis Gardeck suffered a torn ACL in Week 7. These losses have left the Cardinals shorthanded, prompting their search for additional talent. Arizona had reportedly explored other options in recent weeks, including inquiries about New York Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari and Tennessee Titans’ edge rusher Arden Key, both of whom could have bolstered their defensive unit.
Injuries have also hit the Cardinals’ defensive line, with free-agent acquisitions Bilal Nichols (neck) and Justin Jones (triceps) out for the season. This depleted depth was evident until Arizona’s Week 8 victory over the Chicago Bears, where they recorded a season-high six sacks. However, the team’s pass rush has generally struggled this season, managing only minimal quarterback pressures and ranking near the bottom of the league in total pressures with just 76.
By bringing in Browning, the Cardinals hope to solidify their defense and create more consistency in pressuring opposing quarterbacks as they push to improve their standings. The NFL trade deadline approaches quickly, with the window closing at 2 p.m. MST on Tuesday.
