PHX Reporter

Baron Browning has been traded from the Denver Broncos to the Arizona Cardinals, a move that was not unexpected given the depth of talent at outside linebacker in Denver and Browning's approaching free agency. The trade, made by Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort, saw Browning exchanged for a sixth-round draft pick.

"It's always good to feel wanted," Browning expressed. "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' coaching staff had been interested in Browning since his college days at Ohio State. Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis, who previously held a position with the Philadelphia Eagles, recalled productive Zoom calls with Browning. "He was extremely intelligent," Rallis noted. "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's recent season in Denver was marred by a foot injury sustained in Week 2, limiting his playtime significantly. In five games this season, he recorded seven tackles and one tackle for loss but remains confident about his performance potential.

"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," said Browning. "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."

Throughout his career with Denver, Browning accumulated 9.5 sacks, 114 tackles, and 22 quarterback hits. His versatility as both an inside linebacker initially and later on the edge adds value to his role within Arizona's defense.

Despite performing well against Chicago Bears recently, Arizona identified a need for improvement in their pass rush unit due to injuries such as Dennis Gardeck's absence.

"It shows how much (Ossenfort) believes in this team and how much he's willing to (do) to get this team better," commented linebacker Mack Wilson Sr., acknowledging Browning as an athletic addition capable of fulfilling multiple roles on defense.

Whether or not Browning will debut against Aaron Rodgers' New York Jets remains undecided; however outside linebackers coach Rob Rodriguez is working intensively towards integrating him into their system before upcoming games after which they'll have time during bye week acclimatizing further.

"I was ready for this to be done just so that I can start fresh here showing what abilities lie ahead," said Baron optimistically regarding new beginnings awaiting within Cardinal ranks stating confidently: "I know I'm starter material playing consistently high levels excitedly anticipating opportunities presenting themselves now."