Trade Gives Baron Browning Fresh Opportunity

Outside linebacker provides help to pass rush

Nov 06, 2024 at 04:23 PM

Zach Gershman

azcardinals.com

New Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning takes part in his first practice on Wednesday.

Baron Browning could see the writing on the wall.

With a loaded outside linebacker room in Denver and Browning's own impending free agency, being moved at the trade deadline wasn't going to be a shock. When Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort made the deal to bring the fourth-year outside linebacker to Arizona -- in exchange for a sixth-round pick -- Browning knew the where.

"It's always good to feel wanted," Browning said. "You don't want to talk to the girl who doesn't want you. I would say it's the same thing. I'm just happy they wanted me and I'm happy to be here."

The Cardinals staff has had their eye on Browning since he was coming out of Ohio State in 2021. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis had Zoom calls with him when Rallis was the linebackers coach in Philadelphia. He could tell from those meetings that Browning was passionate about his craft.

"He was extremely intelligent," Rallis said. "I remember asking him some questions where he was able to respond and give some unbelievable answers (and) the awareness that he had. I was very impressed with him."

Browning will have to turn those passion and study habits into impact on the field. A foot injury in Week 2 kept Browning on the sidelines for a large chunk of this season in Denver. In five games played, Browning has seven tackles and a tackle for loss.

In spite of the slow start, Browning doesn't believe the stats tell the full story.

"If you watch the tape, I feel like I've been rushing the pass at a high level, even though I haven't had the production I want this season," Browning said. "But I know it's coming. I'm trusting the process and continuing to approach work every day with the same mindset to get better."

Through his first three-and-a-half seasons with the Broncos, Browning recorded 9.5 sacks, 114 tackles, and 22 quarterback hits. Similar to Zaven Collins' time with the Cardinals, Browning started his NFL career as an inside linebacker before moving to the edge. His versatility was another attractive element in his acquisition, coach Jonathan Gannon said.

Despite having a really strong performance on Sunday against the Bears, the Cardinals needed to improve their pass rush unit. By acquiring Browning, the Cardinals bring in a player that does that within their scheme.

"It shows how much (Ossenfort) believes in this team and how much he's willing to (do) to get this team better," linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. said. "We felt like our pass rush was a need with (Dennis) Gardeck going down. He brought in Baron, a high-caliber guy that can do everything at both levels. Athletic, rush, and can drop in coverage. It's a great addition."

It has yet to be determined if Browning will make his Cardinals debut on Sunday when they host Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. Gannon said outside linebackers coach Rob Rodriguez has to work overtime to get Browning caught up to speed. The upcoming bye post-Jets will help as Browning acclimates himself, not only to the team, but his new life in Arizona.

In the meantime, the distractions for Browning are no longer looming over his head. The only thing on his mind is learning the new playbook and meeting his new teammates.

"I was ready for this to be done just to get this fresh start and show what I can do," Browning said. "I know I'm a starter in this league. I know I can play at a high level, so I'm excited about this opportunity to do that here."

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Trystan Colon (63) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Keith Ismael (60) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Keith Ismael (60) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (74), Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jon Gaines II (59) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Nick Leverett (50) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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The Arizona Cardinals during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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The Arizona Cardinals during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zach Pascal (0) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Goalpost during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Nick Leverett (50) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones (17) during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.

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Arizona Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis during practice at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Tempe, AZ.