“Broncos choose Jonathon Cooper over Baron Browning and set long-term course.”

After all, in the NFL all that matters is production.

The draft status contains some details. Contracts can provide some level of protection.

Talent buys second chances and longer careers after injuries.

Ultimately, however, players who perform find their way onto the field and eventually onto the bench.

That principle was on display as the Broncos charted their long-term course at outside linebacker with two consistent moves over the past three days.

Denver quietly agreed to a four-year extension worth up to $60 million ($33 million guaranteed) for Jonathon Cooper on Saturday, then traded Baron Browning to Arizona for a 2025 sixth-round pick on Monday.

For months, the team knew they were reaching a tipping point, and finally it was time to act.

In the end, their long-term decision came down to choosing between two guys who had been on the same team since 2017, when Browning arrived at Ohio State.

The Broncos selected Browning in the third round of the 2021 draft and then Cooper in the seventh.

Like so many second- and third-day draft picks, both needed time to develop. Browning began his career as an inside linebacker before moving to the edge in 2022. Cooper had a heart attack after the draft and then battled additional injuries until midway through the 2022 season.

Both were set to become free agents after this season and were both candidates for a second contract in Denver.