By Dianna Russini, Nick Kosmider and Doug Haller
The Denver Broncos are trading edge rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick, the Cardinals announced Monday. The Cardinals had been combing the market for the position.
Meanwhile, in addition to trading Browning, the Broncos signed Jonathon Cooper to a four-year contract extension, a source briefed on the deal confirmed Monday.
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The Broncos drafted Browning, 25, in the third round in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s tallied 114 total tackles and 9 1/2 sacks over three-plus seasons in Denver. Through five games this season, he’s had seven total tackles, including one solo tackle.
The Broncos selected Cooper, 26, in the seventh round of that same 2021 draft. He’s amassed 193 total tackles and 18 1/2 sacks during his time in Denver, including 35 total tackles (19 solo) and 5 1/2 sacks through nine games this season.
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Why the Broncos made this trade now
Put simply, the Broncos leveraged a market that was hot approaching the deadline while also putting together their pass-rush picture for the future.
Browning has been a productive player at times for the Broncos, but he dropped down the pecking order at outside linebacker following an early-season stint on injured reserve with a foot injury. Cooper, a teammate of Browning’s at Ohio State and during their four seasons together in Denver, has emerged as the team’s top all-around edge player and Nik Bonitto, who is under contract through 2024, leads the team in sacks with six. The team also drafted Jonah Elliss in the third round of April’s NFL Draft and appears intent on giving their young players — including quarterback Bo Nix and three rookie skill position players — more time to develop in the season’s second half.
Browning is set to be a free agent after this season, meaning the Broncos added a Day 3 pick while facing one fewer contract question this offseason.
The departure of Browning likely means additional playing time for Dondrea Tillman, who had two sacks during a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this season. — Nick Kosmider, Broncos beat writer
Cardinals get pass-rush boost with low-risk move
Three weeks ago, the Cardinals were 2-4 and coming off the worst game of coach Jonathan Gannon’s two seasons. They haven’t lost since, vaulting to the top of the NFC West.
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To stay there, they needed pass-rush help. Aside from Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears, during which Arizona registered six sacks, the Cardinals have struggled to impact the passer. They have not had great luck, losing outside linebackers B.J. Ojulari (in August) and Dennis Gardeck (October) to ACL injuries.
But with the playoffs a possibility, the front office needed to make a move. Browning has produced 9 1/2 sacks in Denver, but he’s recently battled injuries and struggled to find his place. Sometimes a change in scenery pays off. For the Cardinals, this is a low-risk move. And it tells the locker room the organization is serious about winning. — Doug Haller, Arizona senior writer
More on Cooper’s extension
The Broncos signed Cooper to his extension over the weekend while the team was in Baltimore to play the Ravens, a source briefed on the signing confirmed.
Cooper has blossomed over the last two seasons as a full-time starter. He had two sacks in Denver’s season-opening win against the Seattle Seahawks and has been among the NFL’s leaders in pressure rate for much of the season.
The Broncos, who will have their own first- and second-round picks in April’s draft for the first time since 2021, will have plenty of needs to fill. A wide receiver, left tackle and running back top the list. Signing Cooper doesn’t take edge rushers off that list, but the Broncos have been encouraged by the depth they are building at that spot. The improvement from the defensive front, keyed by Cooper, Zach Allen and new addition John Franklin-Myers, is a big reason the Broncos are set to make a second-half chase for the playoffs, even after Sunday’s blowout loss to the Ravens.
Cooper was projected to be a third- or fourth-round pick coming out of Ohio State in 2021, but a heart issue he has dealt with since childhood reemerged late in the draft process, plummeting his stock. After multiple heart procedures, Cooper was ready for his rookie training camp and made an immediate impression. He had 4 1/2 across his first two seasons while playing a part-time role. He has 14 sacks in his last 26 games in coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense. — Kosmider
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More moves coming for the Broncos?
If Sean Payton’s comments Monday were any indication, the Broncos aren’t planning any splash acquisitions at the trade deadline.
“Honestly, the focus is on the guys in this building right here. Superman’s not walking in,” Payton said.
At 5-4, the Broncos currently occupy the No. 7 spot in the AFC playoff picture. They visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday before hosting the surging Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. They could use a playmaker on offense — wide receiver, tight end, running back; take your pick — but they have limited cap space and appear set on giving their young players more room to develop. — Kosmider
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(Photo: Gus Stark / Getty Images)
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