Sitting at 5-3 on the year, the Broncos could be in position to add ahead of the trade deadline but a few players have been mentioned as targets for other teams. Among those is outside linebacker Baron Browning. 
As a pending free agent, Browning could draw interest from teams looking to add depth in the pass-rush department for the stretch run. The 25-year-old worked as an inside linebacker during his rookie season, but since then has has been a key figure along the edge. With respect to the 2024 season in particular, Browning’s playing time has taken a dip but he did miss four games with a foot injury.
Now healthy, the Ohio State product is competing for playing time alongside the likes of Nik Bonitto and fellow 2021 draftee Jonathon Cooper. The latter could find himself as Denver’s priority in terms of an extension, and in that case Browning could be worth dealing away before a free agent departure. If the former third-rounder has his way, though, he will remain in the Mile High City beyond the coming deadline.
“I really don’t try to stress myself with stuff I can’t control,” Browning said when asked about a potential trade (via Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post). “Worrying about that won’t do me no good. I just try to stay in the moment and stay where my feet are. I love it here. I love my teammates. This is where I was drafted. And I hate moving.”
Near the bottom of the league in terms of cap space, the Broncos could stand to move out a signficant contract or two. The financial benefits of dealing Browning would be minimal, however, as he is on his rookie contract. Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton – who once again finds himself on another team’s trade radar – would, by contrast, yield more breathing room.
Browning also noted that he is not aware of any extension talks taking place between his representation and the Broncos. Cooper is in need of a new deal during the offseason, while Bonitto will be eligible for an extension this spring. Retaining one or both members of that pairing for the long term would come as no surprise, but Browning could very well find himself in that situation as well. With the November 5 deadline approaching, Denver will need to at least decide on whether or not he remains in the team’s 2024 plans over the coming days.