The Arizona Cardinals surprisingly sit atop the NFC West after nine completed weeks. Our beloved Seattle Seahawks are a dead-last 4-5, but remain one game outside the division lead in a tight-knit quartet. The Cardinals made a move at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline that signals their aggressive intent for the remainder of the season.
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort acquired pass rusher Baron Browning from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Browning has appeared in just five contests this season, totaling five pressures and zero sacks. Playing time had been difficult to come by in Denver due to their depth on the edge.
Trade! The #Broncos are sending edge rusher Baron Browning to the #Cardinals, per sources. pic.twitter.com/Mqel72MPxL
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 4, 2024
The Cardinals have recorded a middling 21 sacks in nine games this year. The results have been somewhat encouraging considering head coach Jonathan Gannon has lost both Dennis Gardeck and BJ Ojulari to season-ending injuries. Rushing the passer was a massive concern after finishing 30th in sacks last season with just 33 quarterback takedowns.
Browning has accumulated 11 career sacks and 82 pressures. The former Ohio State standout earned a career-best grade of 73.5 from Pro Football Focus after totaling five sacks and 35 pressures last season. Browning should immediately help the Cardinals on the defensive line.
The Seahawks’ struggling offensive line has another productive pass rusher in the division. The Seahawks and Cardinals are scheduled to play in Weeks 12 and 14. The Cardinals believe they can capture the NFC West.
