The Broncos are trading pass rusher Baron Browning to the Cardinals for a sixth-round draft pick

For nine weeks, Jonathan Gannon's unit has played better than the sum of its strength, ranking 19th in FTN's defensive DVOA before Monday night. During their three-game winning streak, the Cards have allowed 17 points per game, including keeping the Bears out of the end zone on Sunday.

Browning became a trade candidate after being out of the rotation in Denver. He missed four games this season after suffering a knee injury in Week 2 and finished near the bottom of the rankings when he returned. He has generated a total of two tackles in the last three weeks. The move frees up more snaps for rookie Jonah Ellis behind Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper.

Speaking of Cooper, the Broncos have signed the young edge rusher to a four-year, $60 million contract with a guaranteed value of $33 million, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Pelissero reported. In four seasons, Cooper has generated a total of 18.5 sacks, including 5.5 in 2024, on pace for a career high.

With Cooper suspended and Browning in the final year of his contract, the Broncos decided to move on from the latter rather than finish the 2024 season.

With 9.5 career stacks, Browning brings athleticism and talent to the desert, but it also comes with a long injury history – he has never played a full season in four years. With Arizona currently at the top of the division, it made sense for GM Monti Ossenfort to bolster the defense.