How might new Cardinals OLB Baron Browning impact Arizona’s defense?

GLENDALE — Arizona Cardinals fans got their wish a day ahead of the NFL trade deadline. General manager Monti Ossenfort went out and acquired a pass rusher in former Denver Bronco Baron Browning.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon on new addition and OLB Baron Browning: pic.twitter.com/yxVbJzeff2

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) November 4, 2024

“When Denver drafted him — that was for (former Broncos head coach Vic Fangio) — they played him at inside and then he played a little outside as well a little bit. He’s playing outside since (Sean Payton) took over, but like the versatility,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said Monday.

“Plays with a high motor. He’s got some pop and some twitch to him, some violence. Good addition by Monti.”

But just how much does he move the needle for this Arizona defense?

Let’s take a look.

A changeup to Monti Ossenfort’s typical thinking

Ossenfort covets a few things when it comes to adding players. Among the biggest are availability and production. Not mortgaging the future on one-year rentals, weighed down contracts and avoiding shipping off premium draft picks are right up there, too.

At first glance, Browning doesn’t necessarily fit that mold.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder hasn’t turned in a full season since joining the league with the Broncos as a third-round pick in 2021.

That trend has continued this year with Browning appearing in just five games due to a foot injury.

Production-wise, there’s not much to write home about in 2024.

Across those five games played (two starts), Browning registered seven tackles and one for a loss. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Browning has rushed the passer 73 times with eight pressures. Five of those pressures came in under three seconds.

That’s not to say he hasn’t flashed in the past, accumulating 9.5 sacks and 49 hurries from 2022-23, but production has been far from consistent for Browning.

And let’s not forget his impending unrestricted free agent status after the year. Arizona may only get seven games out of him (if that).

Taking all that into account, this doesn’t scream MO’s MO.

But as we’ve already seen this year with some of Arizona’s free agent additions, even the best-laid plans don’t work out.

Following the Ossenfort criteria above, the Cardinals went out and added starting talent in Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols to multi-year contracts only for the pair to be lost for the season due to injury. Before their time in Arizona, they were hardly missing any games.

Sometimes you got to roll the dice, and the Browning acquisition is firmly in that category, especially given the minimal cap hit he carries with him.

How does Baron Browning fit into Arizona’s pass rush?

Expectations should be tempered when it comes to Browning’s right out of the gate.

Not only does he have to get defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’ system down, Browning also has to crack a rotation that is coming off its best game of the year against the Chicago Bears.

Of Arizona’s six sacks on the afternoon, the rotation of Zaven Collins (2.0), Xavier Thomas (1.5) and Jesse Luketa (1.0) accounted for 4.5.

Collins — who like Browning made the switch from inside to outside linebacker — continues to be talked about in high regard from the coaching staff, while Thomas and Luketa have seen their roles increase after fighting through inactive stretches.

There is, however, a fourth or fifth spot in the rotation that could be the first step in Browning making his presence felt in Arizona. Consider it an entry level position if you will.

He’ll have to battle Victor Dimukeje and Julian Okwara for them, though.

Of Arizona’s pass rushers who played defensive snaps this past Sunday, Dimukeje saw the fewest with 17. Okwara saw just two more reps.

And while pass rush is the first thing that comes to mind, Browning could also be utilized in run-down situations and even out in coverage.

It doesn’t just come down to his ability to pressure the quarterback (though it certainly helps).

“I know he’s an every-down player. For us, that position is set edges, rush and a little bit of drop, so we feel really comfortable with his skillset and what he can do,” Gannon told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Monday when asked how he expected to utilize the veteran pass rusher.

“We’ll take it day by day and get him up to speed and get him out there when he’s ready to go.”

Are the Cardinals done making deals ahead of NFL trade deadline?

There is plenty of time — and cap space — for Ossenfort to make another move before Tuesday’s 2 p.m. trade deadline.

When it comes to potential trade candidates, there aren’t many more intriguing than a Azeez Ojulari given his production and connection with brother and current Cardinals pass rusher BJ Ojulari.

But according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, it’s very likely Ossenfort is done making deals in 2024.

That’s not to say something can’t change between now and Tuesday’s 2 p.m. deadline.

For now, we wait.

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