Tag: Broncos news

Baron Browning gives his honest reaction after trade from Broncos

“It’s always good to feel wanted,” Baron Browning said of the Cardinals trade. “You don’t want to talk to the girl who doesn’t want you.”

Earlier this week, the Denver Broncos traded pass rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick.

Browning and fellow edge defender Jonathon Cooper were both scheduled to become free agents in 2025 and the Broncos decided to keep Cooper, signing him to a four-year contract extension.

Cooper (5.5 sacks) and Nik Bonitto (6.0 sacks) were productive while Browning was on injured reserve this season, so it made sense for Denver to trade the outside linebacker for more draft capital.

After landing in Tempe, Arizona, Browning spoke to Cardinals media members for the first time on Wednesday. He was honest in his assessment of the situation and understanding of the team’s decision.

“We had a very talented room in Denver,” Browning said, via Howard Balzer of Cards Wire. “I was coming off an injury. Coop was playing well. Nik was playing well, so I think too they can’t pay both of us so just understanding the business side of it.”

Browning had a hunch that he might be on the move, but he remained a team-first player right up to the trade.

“I didn’t want to be a distraction to my teammates, be a distraction to my unit back in Denver,” the pass rusher said. “I was just ready for it to be done just to kinda get this fresh start and show what I can do. I know I’m a starter in this league and I know I can play at a high level so I’m just excited about this opportunity to do that here.”

Browning will now get a fresh start with the Cardinals, a team that had a high grade on him in the 2021 NFL draft.

“It’s always good to feel wanted,” Browning said. “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.”

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Former Broncos draft bust is now a free agent

The Eagles cut former Broncos fourth-round draft pick Albert Okwuegbunam this week.

The Philadelphia Eagles released tight end Albert Okwuegbunam on Tuesday, making him a free agent.

Okwuegbunam (6-5, 258 pounds) was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL draft out of Missouri. After reuniting with former college teammate Drew Lock, “Albert O” was projected to serve as Denver’s top receiving tight end.

Okwuegbunam was relatively productive when healthy — he totaled 33 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in his second season — but the tight end struggled to stay on the field with the Broncos.

Okwuegbunam missed 24 games during a three-year tenure in Denver before being traded to the Eagles ahead of the 2023 season. The Broncos sent “Albert O” and a seventh-round draft pick to Philly in exchange for a sixth-round pick. He dressed for four games with the Eagles last fall but only drew one target and did not record any catches.

Okwuegbunam started the 2024 season on injured reserve after undergoing core muscle surgery. After recovering from that surgery, “Albert O” was cut by Philly. The 26-year-old tight end now hits free agency with 54 receptions for 546 yards and four touchdowns on his resume.

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Sean Payton comments on why Broncos traded Baron Browning

“He totally understood,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of trading Baron Browning. “He was looking forward to getting more snaps.”

The Denver Broncos replaced outside linebacker Baron Browning in the starting lineup when he spent four weeks on injured reserve with a foot injury earlier this season.

When Browning returned from the injury, he never reclaimed the starting job as Nik Bonitto (6.0 sacks) and Jonathon Cooper (5.5 sacks) took over as the team’s top two edge rushers.

Browning and Cooper were both scheduled to become free agents in 2025. Cooper has been healthier and more productive than Browning, and the Broncos rewarded him with a four-year contract extension.

Denver did not plan to re-sign Browning in 2025, so it made sense to trade him to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a late-round draft pick. It’s a positive outcome for both parties as Browning is now poised to get more playing time with the Cardinals before hitting free agency.

“Well in fairness to Baron even, we had a long talk, and just the contract year, the amount of snaps — he can get more snaps [in Arizona],” coach Sean Payton said Wednesday. “It’s the puzzle of trying to look outwards too and certainly he’s been a part of what we’ve been doing.

“So it’s never easy to trade someone, and yet I thought just in our visit, George [Paton] and I and Baron sitting down he totally understood. He was looking forward to getting more snaps and certainly in the year for him it’s important.”

Browning will aim to finish the year strong with the Cardinals and then cash in during free agency next spring. The Broncos, meanwhile, will move forward with Cooper, Bonitto, Jonah Ellis and Dondrea Tillman.

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Broncos’ updated 53-man roster after NFL trade deadline

Here’s a look at the Broncos’ updated 53-man roster following the NFL trade deadline.

Following the passing of 2024 NFL trade deadline, the Denver Broncos have set their 53-man roster for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Broncos traded outside linebacker Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick on Monday. That ended up being the team’s only trade ahead of the deadline.

Here’s a look at the updated active roster following the Browning trade.

Denver Broncos 53-man roster

Position Name Number
QB Bo Nix 10
QB Jarrett Stidham 8
QB Zach Wilson 4
RB Javonte Williams 33
RB Jaleel McLaughlin 38
RB Audric Estime 23
FB/TE Nate Adkins 45
TE Greg Dulcich 80
TE Adam Trautman 82
TE Lucas Krull 85
WR Courtland Sutton 14
WR Marvin Mims 19
WR Troy Franklin 16
WR Devaughn Vele 17
WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey 84
OT Garett Bolles 72
OT Mike McGlinchey 69
OT Frank Crum 73
OT Alex Palczewski 63
OL Matt Peart 79
G/C Quinn Meinerz 77
G Ben Powers 74
C/G Alex Forsyth 54
OL Calvin Throckmorton 76
DE Zach Allen 99
DE John Franklin-Myers 98
DL D.J. Jones 93
DL Malcolm Roach 97
DL Eyioma Uwazurike 96
DL Jordan Jackson 94
OLB Jonathon Cooper 0
OLB Nik Bonitto 15
OLB Jonah Elliss 52
OLB Dondrea Tillman 92
ILB Cody Barton 55
ILB Justin Strnad 40
ILB Levelle Bailey 56
CB Pat Surtain 2
CB Ja’Quan McMillian 29
CB Riley Moss 21
CB Levi Wallace 39
CB Kris Abrams-Draine 31
CB Tremon Smith 1
CB Damarri Mathis 27
DB Devon Key 26
DB Keidron Smith 43
S Brandon Jones 22
S P.J. Locke 6
S JL Skinner 34
K Wil Lutz 3
P Riley Dixon 9
LS Mitchell Fraboni 48

With a 53-man roster and a 17-player practice squad, Denver has 70 players under contract, plus several players on injured reserve.

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Recapping the moves Broncos made ahead of NFL trade deadline

The Broncos made one trade ahead of the NFL trade deadline.

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton downplayed the NFL trade deadline in recent weeks and at least one report suggested the team would stand pat ahead of the deadline.

Perhaps that was a smokescreen.

The Broncos shipped outside linebacker Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. That ended up being the team’s only trade, but it wasn’t their only transaction.

Denver also gave a four-year, $60 million contract extension to fellow pass rusher Jonathon Cooper, locking him up through the 2028 season.

The Broncos could also get some reinforcements on the injury front this week. Denver wide receiver Josh Reynolds (finger) and center Luke Wattenberg (ankle) are both eligible to return from injured reserve and linebacker Drew Sanders is “close to returning” from an Achilles injury.

Broncos move before NFL trade deadline

  1. OLB Baron Browning traded to Cardinals
  2. OLB Jonathon Cooper signed to extension

With the deadline now passed, Denver’s full attention turns toward Sunday’s showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs on the road.

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More trades could be on the way for Broncos

Zach Wilson? Greg Dulcich? Courtland Sutton??? ESPN suggests the Broncos might not be done making trades.

The Denver Broncos took action ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline by agreeing to trade pass rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick.

That was the team’s first move, but it might not be the last.

Following the news of the Browning trade, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler took to Twitter/X and re-shared his trade deadline story from last week that outlined potential moves for the Broncos, who Fowler says “might not be done” after the Browning trade.

Last week, Fowler noted the possibility of a Browning trade (which has since happened) and he also mentioned quarterback Zach Wilson and tight end Greg Dulcich as potential trade candidates. Fowler also pointed out that teams have called out wide receiver Courtland Sutton in past years.

Additionally, Fowler wrote that “it wouldn’t be a shock” to see the Broncos attempt to trade for a pass-catching running back ahead of the deadline.

Stay tuned as the trade deadline is now just one day away. We will track any potential moves Denver makes on Broncos Wire.

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Broncos sign OLB Jonathon Cooper to 4-year contract extension

The Broncos have secured Jonathon Cooper’s services with a four-year contract extension.

The Denver Broncos signed outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper to a four-year contract extension over the weekend, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The four-year deal is worth $60 million and includes $33 million in guarantees, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. He’ll earn an average of $15 million per season.

The news broke shortly after the Broncos agreed to trade fellow pass rusher Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.

Browning and Cooper were teammates at Ohio State and they were both picked by Denver in the 2021 NFL draft — Browning in the third round and Cooper in the seventh round.

Browning struggled with injuries during his time with the Broncos and totaled 9.5 sacks in 43 career games, with no sacks this season. Cooper exceeded expectations and recorded 18.5 sacks in 56 games, including 5.5 sacks through nine starts this season.

With both players scheduled to become free agents in 2025, it’s no surprise that Denver opted to keep Cooper. He’s been healthier and more productive than his counterpart since they entered the league four years ago.

Browning will get a fresh start in Arizona and the Broncos will move forward with Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman. Drew Sanders could also return from the physically unable to perform list later this season.

Denver still has plenty of depth at the position, and the team’s top pass rusher is now locked up through the 2028 season.

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Broncos agree to trade OLB Baron Browning to Cardinals

The Broncos are trading pass rusher Baron Browning to the Cardinals.

The Denver Broncos have agreed to trade edge defender Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals, according to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Denver will receive a sixth-round draft pick from Arizona.

Browning (6-3, 240 pounds) was originally picked by the Broncos in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Ohio State. Browning initially played as an inside linebacker before moving to outside linebacker in his second season.

He has started 28 games for Denver over the last three and a half seasons, totaling 9.5 sacks. Browning recorded 5.0 sacks in 14 games in 2022 and 4.5 sacks in 10 games in 2023.

The 25-year-old pass rusher is a talented player, but he has struggled to stay on the field due to various injuries. He missed three games in each of his first two seasons, seven games last year and four games on injured reserve this fall.

The Broncos have plenty of depth at pass rusher with Jonathon Cooper, Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman. Browning is also scheduled to become a free agent in 2025. Those factors combined with Browning’s injury history made him an expendable player for Denver.

Browning will now get a fresh start with the Cardinals and the Broncos will move forward with Cooper and Bonitto continuing to serve as their top two edge defenders.

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Broncos given reality check in 41-10 loss to Ravens

The Broncos looked more like pretenders than playoff contenders against the Ravens on Sunday. There’s a lot of work to be done in Denver.

After starting the season with a 5-3 record, the Denver Broncos faced their first big test of the season on Sunday when they went on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens, who also went into the game with a 5-3 record.

Denver looked more like a pretender than a playoff contender in an ugly 41-10 loss to Baltimore, dropping the Broncos to 5-4.

On the game’s opening drive, quarterback Bo Nix threw a pass that went through wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey’s hands and into the arms of Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington, who returned it to the 36-yard line.

After that, Denver’s defense prevented Baltimore from capitalizing on that turnover by sacking quarterback Lamar Jackson and knocking the Ravens out of field goal range.

On their second drive of the game, the Broncos got to Baltimore’s 44-yard line before going for it on fourth down. Denver running back Javonte Williams was originally ruled to have picked up the first on an outside toss, but the Ravens challenged the ruling and the call was overturned.

Baltimore then took over at its own 43-yard line and drove 57 yards on seven plays to take a 7-0 lead with a seven-yard Derrick Henry touchdown run.

The Broncos turned the ball over on downs again on their next drive after Nix overthrew wide receiver Troy Franklin in the end zone on fourth down. The Ravens then took over at their own 33-yard line. After that, Baltimore drove 52 yards and Justin Tucker kicked a 33-yard field goal to make it 10-0 early in the second quarter.

On their next drive, Denver’s offense went 70 yards on 11 plays and faced fourth-and-goal at the two-yard line. The Broncos then ran a trick play with wide receiver Courtland Sutton throwing a two-yard touchdown pass to Nix to cut the deficit to 10-7.

The Ravens quickly matched that score with Jackson’s seven-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers late in the second quarter to make it 17-7. Denver then added a 37-yard Wil Lutz field goal to draw within seven, 17-10. Just before halftime, Jackson hit Flowers again on a 53-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 24-10.

In the third quarter, Henry scored again with a six-yard touchdown run to make it 31-10. On their next drive, Baltimore scored again when Jackson threw a three-yard touchdown pass to fullback Patrick Ricard to increase the lead to 38-10. Tucker later tacked on a 37-yard field goal to make it 41-10. That ended up being the final score after Sutton was tackled just short of the end zone on fourth-and-goal late in the fourth quarter.

Up next for the Broncos is a road game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10. After that, Denver will host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11.

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Twitter reacts to Broncos QB Bo Nix ‘Mossing’ Ravens DB Marcus Williams

Broncos QB Bo Nix went up to make an impressive touchdown catch against the Ravens on Sunday afternoon. Here’s how Twitter/X reacted.

Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix made a huge play in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, catching a two-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Courtland Sutton.

Yes, you read that right: Sutton threw the pass to Nix.

Facing a fourth-and-goal from Baltimore’s two-yard line, Nix handed the ball to running back Javonte Williams behind the line of scrimmage. Williams then gave a reverse to Sutton, who then threw to Nix in the end zone.

Nix jumped up and beat Ravens safety Marcus Williams to the ball and came down with the catch in the end zone for a touchdown. Here’s a sampling of how fans and pundits reacted to the impressive play on Twitter/X.

Nix is the only player in the NFL with a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown this season. He also currently leads all rookies this season with 13 scores. At the time of publication, Denver trails in Baltimore 17-10.

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