Former Ohio State player’s life is about to change a whole lot after being a part of an NFL trade deadline deal
Former Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning found more success in Denver than he did with the Buckeyes, but he became expendable with the Broncos in 2024. Despite expectations for Browning to breakout after totaling 9.5 sacks in 2022 and 2023, the Texas native became an afterthought for the Broncos in his contract year. Instead of […]
Former Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning found more success in Denver than he did with the Buckeyes, but he became expendable with the Broncos in 2024. Despite expectations for Browning to breakout after totaling 9.5 sacks in 2022 and 2023, the Texas native became an afterthought for the Broncos in his contract year.
Instead of Browning becoming a foundational piece for Denver, the Broncos traded the 6-foot-3, 240-pounder to the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to the desert in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Instead of Browning earning an extension, fellow former Buckeye Jonathan Cooper landed a new four-year addition to his expiring deal.
Browning was a surprising third-round pick in 2021 after a decent but inconsequential career with the Buckeyes. He was used as an off-ball linebacker more than a pass-rusher, which was a gross misusage of his athleticism and power.
Over four seasons, Browning had 110 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. He's thus far been a better NFL player, although his 2024 season has been remarkably quiet. He has only seven tackles in fives games played.
His opportunities in Arizona look more promising. The Cardinals need help badly as they reshape their defense. Browning doesn't have a lot of time to prove himself before the offseason, but this was a nice flier addition for a team that has not been able to throw enough resources to that side of the ball.
If he hits, Browning can be an affordable option to bring back. He has to prove more durable and consistent than what he's been. Being from Dallas area, he'll probably enjoy the warmer and drier weather of Arizona than Colorado.
