The Denver Broncos will clash with old teammate Baron Browning when they host the Arizona Cardinals for joint practices this summer. Traded mid-2024 for a sixth-round pick, Browning’s return to Denver promises a fiery reunion. Will he prove the Broncos wrong for letting him go?
You can bet he has a larger-than-life chip on one or more shoulders.
Nik Bonitto’s breakout 2024 season, leading Denver with six sacks, overshadowed Browning’s role. The Broncos, boasting a deep pass-rush unit, traded Browning to Arizona, giving him a fresh start. The move wasn’t just a roster trim; it aimed to revive Browning’s promising career.
Browning seized his chance in Arizona, racking up two sacks, three quarterback hits, and 10 pressures in eight games. His performance earned a two-year, $15 million contract, with $10 million guaranteed, securing stability and a platform to shine. The Cardinals saw untapped potential worth betting on.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton during minicamp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
A 2021 third-round pick from Ohio State, Browning flashed elite athleticism early, sparking high expectations. Injuries, however, stalled his Denver tenure, limiting him to seven tackles in 2024. Despite flashes of brilliance, Denver’s stacked defense couldn’t accommodate him.
The trade wasn’t about failure, but opportunity, head coach Sean Payton told the Denver Post. “We had a long talk… he can get more snaps,” Browning’s departure freed snaps for rookie Jonah Elliss, while giving Browning a shot to thrive.
At joint practices, expect Browning to bring intensity, eager to show Denver what they lost. Will he disrupt Bo Nix’s rhythm? Fans are hooked for this grudge match, where Browning’s chip on his shoulder could steal the show.
