Broncos Baron Browning doesn’t want to be traded; Are there no negotiations on an extension?

With a 5-3 record this year, the Broncos may have room to add to the roster ahead of the trade deadline, but several players have been mentioned as targets for other teams. Among them is the outside linebacker Baron Browning.

As a pending free agent, Browning could attract interest from teams looking to add depth in the pass rush for the stretch run. The 25-year-old worked as an inside linebacker during his rookie season but has since become a key figure on the wing. Specifically for the 2024 season, Browning’s playing time was reduced, but he missed four games with a foot injury.

Now the healthy Ohio State product is competing for playing time with the likes of Nick Bonitto and fellow 2021 conscript Jonathon Cooper. The latter may be Denver’s priority for a contract extension, in which case Browning may be worth parting with before free agency leaves. However, if the former third-round pick has his way, he will remain in the Mile High City beyond the deadline.

“I don’t really try to stress myself out over things I can’t control.” Browning said when asked about the potential deal (via Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post). “Worrying about this won’t do me any good. I just try to stay in the moment and stay present. I like it here. I love my teammates. This is where I was called. And I hate moving.”

Sitting near the bottom of the league in terms of cap space, the Broncos could very well lose a major contract or two. However, the financial benefit from a deal with Browning would be minimal since he is on his rookie contract. Veteran Receiver Courtland Sutton – which will again be in the field of view of the other team – on the contrary, will provide more breathing space.

Browning also noted that he is not aware of any contract extension talks between his representative and the Broncos. Cooper will need a new contract this offseason, while Bonitto will be eligible for an extension this spring. Keeping one or both members of this pairing for the long term wouldn’t be a surprise, but Browning could very well find himself in that situation. With the Nov. 5 deadline approaching, Denver will need to at least decide whether he remains in the team’s 2024 plans in the coming days.