The Denver Broncos and their 5-3 record are in the driver’s seat for a Wild Card spot, but their success might not prevent a Baron Browning trade. A third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product with elite measurables abandoned his inside linebacker position to play an edge role at the professional level. In 2022 and 2023, Browning recorded a combined 9.5 sacks, 49 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, and 21 quarterback hits in 24 games. While he never reached his athletic potential, he proved he could be a reliable player in the right scheme.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened this year. Limited to just four games, Browning’s reduced role has resulted in the impending free agent recording just six tackles and one tackle-for-loss throughout the season. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that teams view Baron Browning as a potential trade candidate, as the Broncos could look to maximize their return on the former third-round pick. If they do trade him, the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions could be ideal fits.
Ravens, Lions Could Trade For Broncos Baron Browning
The Baltimore Ravens are fifth in the NFL with 24 sacks, so a Baron Browning trade is somewhat confusing at first glance. However, a deeper dive shows that this team could use more edge defenders to finally hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Kyle Van Noy is playing out of his mind, recording seven six in eight games, while former first-round pick Odafe Oweh has recorded 4.5 sacks in an increased role. However, outside of those two, nobody on this team has more than two sacks. This shows the top-heavy nature of Baltimore’s current pass rush, which is uncharacteristic for a John Harbaugh defense.
Baltimore never found a true replacement for Jadeveon Clowney and his 9.5 sacks from 2023. Baron Browning probably won’t play as well as Clowney did last year, but the trade candidate is more than capable of being the third option in this pass rush. With three reliable edge defenders, Baltimore can rotate their players to ensure everyone stays fresh and at full strength for the impending playoff run.
Aidan Hutchinson Replacement
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell hinted at a trade earlier in the week, and he might have had his eye on Baron Browning. Previously viewed as the league’s lovable losers, Campbell and company have turned the Detroit Lions into one of the league’s elite contenders. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson runs one of the most creative schemes in football, the offense is loaded with playmakers, but the defense is low on pass rushers. Somebody must step up with free agent signee Marcus Davenport and superstar Aidian Hutchinson done for the season, and Browning could answer the call.
Baron Browing is no Aidan Hutchinson, but the trade candidate should earn playing time for this questionable unit. With their potential Defensive Player of the Year sidelined, the Lions will turn to unremarkable veterans James Houston, Josh Paschal, and Pat O’Connor. These three form arguably the league’s least inspiring pass rush, and Browing should see the field early and often. The Ohio State product is a reliable defender with the athletic potential to be a 10-sack player. Dan Campbell knows how to get the best out of his players, so perhaps a change of scenery could lead to a breakout season.
Main Photo: Lon Horwedel – USA Today Sports
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