The NFL trade deadline is nearly here, and the New York Giants are expected to be active sellers. But one potential trade partner just went off the board.
With playoff hopefuls in need of edge rushers, the Arizona Cardinals have acquired outside linebacker Baron Browning from the Denver Broncos. For the Giants, this trade eliminates Arizona as a potential landing spot for Azeez Ojulari, who is likely on the trading block as Big Blue looks to retool for 2025.
In exchange for Browning, the Broncos received a sixth-round pick from Arizona. The Cardinals had a pressing need for pass-rush help after losing key defensive pieces to injury. Browning’s upside and experience should fit right into Arizona’s defense as they continue an impressive mid-season turnaround.
Arizona will send a sixth-round pick to Denver for Baron Browning, who has 9.5 career sacks. https://t.co/USFWHulbCg
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 4, 2024
This move also impacts Giants GM Joe Schoen, who now has one less suitor for Ojulari.
With Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns locked in as starters, Ojulari is the odd man out in New York. He’s an attractive trade piece, but with Arizona crossing itself off the list, Schoen will need to find other buyers if he’s looking to move on from Ojulari by Nov. 5.
Arizona Cardinals land Baron Browning in trade deadline deal
This was a much-needed acquisition for the Cardinals, who’ve seen their overachieving defense hit hard by injuries.
With BJ Ojulari sidelined since August and Dennis Gardeck lost to a torn ACL in October, Arizona’s outside linebacker rotation had been depleted. Gardeck alone contributed three sacks this season, second only to sixth-round pick Dante Stills, who leads the team with 3.5.
Though Arizona is still in a rebuild, they’ve been surprisingly competitive this year, with three straight wins and a respectable 21 total sacks. Adding Browning helps plug a significant gap, giving Arizona another option off the edge as they eye a potential playoff push.
As for the Giants, it’d be a surprise if Schoen doesn’t try to move Ojulari in the final hours before the deadline.
The young edge rusher is set to become a free agent after this season, and both the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals could use his services as they look to bolster their own defenses for a playoff push.