Earlier this week, the Denver Broncos traded pass rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick.
Browning and fellow edge defender Jonathon Cooper were both scheduled to become free agents in 2025 and the Broncos decided to keep Cooper, signing him to a four-year contract extension.
Cooper (5.5 sacks) and Nik Bonitto (6.0 sacks) were productive while Browning was on injured reserve this season, so it made sense for Denver to trade the outside linebacker for more draft capital.
After landing in Tempe, Arizona, Browning spoke to Cardinals media members for the first time on Wednesday. He was honest in his assessment of the situation and understanding of the team’s decision.
“We had a very talented room in Denver,” Browning said, via Howard Balzer of Cards Wire. “I was coming off an injury. Coop was playing well. Nik was playing well, so I think too they can’t pay both of us so just understanding the business side of it.”
Browning had a hunch that he might be on the move, but he remained a team-first player right up to the trade.
“I didn’t want to be a distraction to my teammates, be a distraction to my unit back in Denver,” the pass rusher said. “I was just ready for it to be done just to kinda get this fresh start and show what I can do. I know I’m a starter in this league and I know I can play at a high level so I’m just excited about this opportunity to do that here.”
Browning will now get a fresh start with the Cardinals, a team that had a high grade on him in the 2021 NFL draft.
“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.”
