The Denver Broncos and their 5-3 record are in the running for a Wild Card spot, but their success may not prevent a Baron Browning trade. A third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product with elite metrics gave up his inside linebacker position to play a top role at the professional level. In 2022 and 2023, Browning recorded a total of 9.5 sacks, 49 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss and 21 quarterback hits in 24 games. Although he never reached his athletic potential, he proved that he could be a reliable player in the right scheme.

Unfortunately that didn't happen this year. Browning's role, limited to just four games, has resulted in the impending free agent recording just six tackles and one tackle-for-loss over the course of the season. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that teams are looking at Baron Browning as a potential trade candidate as the Broncos could look to maximize their return on the former third-round pick. If they do indeed trade him, the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions could be an ideal fit.

Ravens, Lions could trade Baron Browning for Broncos

The Baltimore Ravens are fifth in the NFL with 24 sacks, so a Baron Browning trade is a bit confusing at first glance. However, a closer look shows that this team could use more fullbacks to finally win the Lombardi Trophy. Kyle Van Noy has been playing crazy, hitting seven sixes in eight games, while former first-round pick Odafe Oweh has recorded 4.5 sacks in a more senior role. However, aside from those two, no one on this team has more than two sacks. This shows the top-heavy nature of Baltimore's current pass rush, which is uncharacteristic of a John Harbaugh defense.

Baltimore never found a true replacement for Jadeveon Clowney and his 9.5 sacks in 2023. Baron Browning probably won't play as well as Clowney did last year, but the trade candidate is more than capable of being the third option in this pass rush. With three reliable fullbacks, Baltimore can rotate its players to ensure everyone stays fresh and at full strength for the upcoming playoff run.

Aidan Hutchinson replacement

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell hinted at a trade earlier this week and may have had his eye on Baron Browning. Once considered the league's lovable losers, Campbell and Co. have turned the Detroit Lions into one of the league's elite contenders. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson runs one of the most creative systems in football: The offense is full of playmakers, but the defense is short on pass rushers. Someone needs to back free agent signee Marcus Davenport and superstar Aidian Hutchinson for the season, and Browning could answer the call.

Baron Browing is no Aidan Hutchinson, but the trade candidate should earn playing time on this questionable unit. With their potential Defensive Player of the Year sidelined, the Lions will rely on low-profile veterans James Houston, Josh Paschal and Pat O'Connor. These three make up arguably the least inspiring pass rush in the league, and Browing should see the field early and often. The Ohio State product is a reliable defender with the athletic potential to be a 10-sack player. Dan Campbell knows how to get the best out of his players, so perhaps a change of scenery could lead to a breakout season.

Main Photo: Lon Horwedel – USA Today Sports