Defensive line was the biggest point of emphasis this offseason for the Arizona Cardinals and resigning EDGE rusher Baron Browning was one addition that helped stabilize that position group.
Browning has the second most snaps from the defensive end position for the Cardinals with 249, behind only Sweat (257), according to The Football Guys.
He was acquired last season at the trade deadline for a sixth round draft pick in a trade with the Denver Broncos and ESPN’s Seth Walder originally gave the Cardinals a “B” grade when the trade was made.
In a reevaluation, Walder upgraded the it to a “B+” for Arizona.
Browning was on the field 47% of the time for the Cardinals last season — more often in passing situations — and recorded an impressive 23% pass rush win rate at edge in that span (a very strong number), albeit with only 2.0 sacks and an average 9% pressure rate. But Browning was a helpful presence on the Cardinals, even though they finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
The Cardinals re-signed Browning in the offseason to a reasonable two-year, $15 million deal. He’s playing a shade more this season and has a 17% pass rush win rate and 11% pressure rate — both slightly above average — along with two sacks. Finding a capable edge rusher on an affordable contract is not easy to do, so this was a good move for the Cardinals.
This season, Browning ranks third on the team in sacks with two. Only prized offseason acquisitions Josh Sweat (five) and Calais Campbell (three) have more.
He is one of three players on the Cardinals with an interception this season and is one of two players with a fumble recovery.
In a season that has had few bright spots, Browning and the defensive line have been a reliable unit.
