The Arizona Cardinals are still in need of a well-known pass rusher as the offseason approaches.
Arizona Ahead of the free agent offseason next week, the Arizona Cardinals formally confirmed that edge rusher Baron Browning has re-signed. After the Cardinals acquired Browning for a sixth-round pick at the midseason trade deadline, the arrangement, which is reportedly a two-year contract for $15 million ($19 million possible with incentives), saw Browning stay with the team.
Previously, Arizona also inked guys such as Aaron Brewer and Joey Blount to new deals. The move, as expected, garnered some strong reaction from those on social media – maybe for the wrong reasons. Baron Browning Won’t Stop Cardinals From Big Name Signing Browning wasn’t brought to Arizona to emerge into one of the best edge rushers in the league. He’s not anticipated to break Cardinals sack records or make a push for Defensive Player of the Year. That’s life when you’re dealt for a late draft pick
Yet with Browning hitting the market, there was strong interest in what he could develop himself into. That’s why the Cardinals were keen on returning Browning. In a league where you can never have enough help in reaching the passer, Arizona rotates their front seven heavily. Zaven Collins was the only outside linebacker to log more than 26% of snaps in 2024 at 55%.
It’s not like Arizona spent a lot of money on the outside linebacker either, as Browning’s $7.5 million yearly salary ranks 46th among active edge players (Spotrac). If you’re Ossenfort, it’s a good problem to have because even if Browning receives the additional $4 million in incentives, Arizona probably acquired his production for a bargain when compared to market value. Regarding the general manager of the Cardinals, Ossenfort usually works out free agency contracts to give Arizona flexibility to back out of a deal before the player’s final season.
Arizona is expected to have more than $70 million in cap space when it enters free agency. The Cardinals have the weaponry to make a statement even after Browning’s contract expires. Which is still what should be expected. With the Cardinals on the verge of the postseason, a team consisting of Browning, Zaven Collins, and BJ Ojulari isn’t good enough to keep improving. Arizona still has a huge need for a top talent to target the quarterback, whether through trade, free agency, or the draft.
Browning is a rotational piece with potential – but Ossenfort and co. should still be looking to add more juice to the pass rush department. Their latest re-signing doesn’t move that needle or budge any plans.
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