When Baron Browning got the call he was traded to the Cardinals, he quickly got on a flight to join his new team. While he knew there was a chance he was traded from the Broncos, one could only be so prepared to have his entire life uprooted as quickly as it did for Browning.
It's one of the reasons why Browning's bye week looked totally different than nearly everyone else.
"Before I left, I only brought clothes for the week" Browning said. "(The off week) was definitely beneficial for me to allow me to really settle in and take in my new surroundings and new environment. I was also able to go back to Colorado to grab some more clothes."
To maximize the time off, that visit to Denver was brief. Browning came back to the Valley and dove deeper into the playbook.
Prior to the bye week, he learned enough to play 18 snaps in the Cardinals' 31-6 win over the Jets. While both a complex and innovative defensive scheme, Browning wasn't surprised he made his debut less than a week after his arrival.
"Anything I put my mind to I can do it," Browning said. "I already have myself mentally prepared and put that stress and pressure on myself to be ready. Even if I didn't end up playing, at least I'm already mentally there and ready."
Browning's football I.Q. and mindset stood out to outside linebackers coach Rob Rodriguez within his first week. The two spent hours together during the bye week, crafting a role for the Cardinals' newest pass rusher.
In three-and-a-half seasons with the Broncos, Browning had 9.5 sacks, 114 tackles, and 22 quarterback hits. Against the Jets, while he didn't record a tackle, he generated pressure that forced Aaron Rodgers to scramble out of the pocket and led to Xavier Thomas' strip-sack.
"We've worked hard, but the guy has shown me a lot in his dedication to it," Rodriguez said before the game. "I know I'm dedicated to it, but when those guys can match it or exceed it, you get excited about what can be."
What can be is a path to potentially make the playoffs. What is known, however, is Browning's versatility. The fourth-year linebacker started his NFL journey as an inside linebacker before switching over to edge.
"He has an arsenal, so I don't have to teach him a lot of moves," Rodriguez said. "(It's) refining stuff that matches our scheme (and) getting him in the right angles just to make sure that it all spaces out right."
Acknowledging the amount of work put in, coach Jonathan Gannon said he thought Browning responded well to Rodriguez's guidance. Despite only meeting once before, defensive coordinator Nick Rallis said Browning is "what I thought he was going to be," while complimenting his work ethic.
Since Browning was acquired by the Cardinals, he has sensed the culture. He discovered early on that he fits in nicely within the "very passionate" outside linebacker room and also noticed the pacing of practices emphasize taking care of the body.
The month of November has been full of changes for Browning. From learning a new playbook to a new location, and a locker room with unfamiliar faces, it has been challenging. Being in a huddle wearing a new jersey with teammates he met just a few days earlier "is different because when you're comfortable and you know everybody, you might crack a joke or something before the play," he said.
But in the midst of these life-altering moves, change can be a good thing.
"I'm trying to get in where I fit in and do my job at a high level," Browning said. "That's what they brought me here to do."
Images of the Arizona Cardinals practicing at the Dignity Health Training Facility before the Week 12 regular season matchup against the Seattle Seahawks
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (53) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown (62) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Roy Lopez (98) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Keith Ismael (60) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Evan Brown (62) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Julian Okwara (58) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (97)during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Victor Dimukeje (52) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (95) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas (54) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa (43) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Anthony Goodlow (97)during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White (7) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa (43) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) , Arizona Cardinals cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) , Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Divaad Wilson (27) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) and Arizona Cardinals safety Joey Blount (32) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) and Arizona Cardinals safety Joey Blount (32) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Andre Chachere (36) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Andre Chachere (36) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (59) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Christian Jones (75) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zach Pascal (0) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6), Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) and Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Victor Dimukeje (52) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dante Stills (55), Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Krys Barnes (51) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa (43) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.
