Through nine weeks, Jonathan Gannon’s unit has played more than the sum of its parts and ranked 19th in FTN’s defensive DVOA heading into Monday night. During their three-game win streak, the Cards have allowed 17 points per game, including keeping the Bears out of the end zone on Sunday.

Browning became a trade candidate after falling out of Denver’s rotation. He missed four games this season after suffering a knee injury in Week 2 and found himself down the depth chart after returning. He has generated a total of two tackles in the past three weeks. The move frees up more snaps for rookie Jonah Elliss behind Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper.

Speaking of Cooper, the Broncos signed the young edge rusher to a four-year, $60 million contract worth $33 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Pelissero reported. Through four seasons, Cooper has generated 18.5 total sacks, including 5.5 in 2024, putting him on pace for a career high.

With Cooper locked up and Browning in the final year of his contract, the Broncos decided to move on from the latter rather than complete the series in 2024.

Browning brings athleticism and talent to the desert with 9.5 career stacks, but it also comes with a long injury history: He has never played a full season in four years. With Arizona currently leading the division, it made sense for general manager Monti Ossenfort to shore up the defense.