Baron Browning (born February 19, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft.

Early life

Browning attended Kennedale High School in Kennedale, Texas. A five star recruit, he played in the 2017 U.S. Army All American Bowl and was a finalist for the Butkus Award. He committed to Ohio State University to play college football.

College career

As a true freshman at Ohio State in 2017, Browning played in 12 games and had 14 tackles. He started three of 12 games his sophomore year in 2018, recording 24 tackles and one sack. He again played in 12 games his junior year in 2019, finishing with 43 tackles and five sacks. Browning returned to Ohio State for his senior year in 2020 and was moved from middle linebacker to outside linebacker.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand spanWingspan40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
6 ft 2+3⁄4 in (1.90 m)245 lb (111 kg)33+1⁄2 in (0.85 m)9+7⁄8 in (0.25 m)6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)4.55 s1.56 s2.69 s4.22 s6.78 s40.0 in (1.02 m)10 ft 10 in (3.30 m)23 reps
All values from Pro Day

Denver Broncos

Browning was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round, 105th overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract with Denver on July 22, 2021.

Browning started his tenure with the Broncos as an inside linebacker but was eventually moved to the outside linebacker group.

Browning was placed on the reserve/PUP list to start the 2023 season. He was activated on October 21, 2023.

On September 21, 2024, Browning was placed on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was activated on October 17.

Arizona Cardinals

On November 4, 2024, the Broncos traded Browning to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2025 sixth-round pick.

On March 9, 2025, Browning signed a two-year, $15 million extension with the Cardinals, with a potential additional $4 million in incentives.

NFL career statistics

Legend
BoldCareer high

Regular season

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckTFLIntYdsAvgLngTDPDFFFumFRYdsTD
2021DEN1495832260.02000.000200000
2022DEN1482414105.081-6-6.0-60201100
2023DEN109251964.54000.000220000
2024DEN527160.01000.000000000
ARI81141132.04000.000000000
2025ARI1573414202.04144.040100100
6636162917113.5232-2-1.040721200

External links