The Denver Broncos made big moves to improve their roster. They very quietly extended promising star linebacker Jonathan Cooper to a four-year, $60 million extension, which includes $33 million guaranteed.

Read more: Cardinals acquire star linebacker in blockbuster trade with Broncos

The extension for Cooper made a lot of sense, as the Broncos are happy with the production their pass rusher has ensured so far this season. Through eight games, he has had 35 total tackles and 5.5 sacks.

Based on the production Cooper has produced, he has clearly outgrown the role of former pass rusher Baron Browning. Browning was just traded to the Arizona Cardinals for a sixth-round pick.

The Broncos have clearly become much more comfortable with Cooper on the pass rush side, which led to Browning being sent to the Cardinals for draft compensation.

Even though Browning seemingly struggled this season, he has a lot of upside. The young linebacker is in his fourth season and has already acquired 9.5 sacks in that time. Browning had five sacks in 2022 and 4.5 sacks in 2023.

Browning hasn’t been the same this season, as he hasn’t recorded a single sack in eight games. Although his production has clearly suffered, Browning did not get another opportunity with the Cardinals.

The Broncos secured Cooper’s future with the team while also acquiring draft compensation for Browning. Although the move seemed suspicious at first, Denver’s front office made two moves that are clearly better for the team’s future.

Denver is currently 5-4 on the season and looks like they could be quite competitive for the AFC and AFC West. They may be one game behind the second place 5-3 Los Angeles Chargers, but they can add some wins to secure a wild card spot in the playoffs.

Despite the promise the Broncos have shown, they will need to start beating some of the AFC’s biggest teams. They were handily defeated by the Baltimore Ravens 41-10 and will face the Kansas City Chiefs next.

An upset win against the Chiefs will go a long way toward showing that the Broncos are here to keep pace with the teams to beat in the conference. Although the team extended Cooper, they are also looking to trade tight end Greg Dulchich.

The Broncos appear to want to rack up some draft compensation for 2025, but they may also want to slow down in terms of letting star players go.

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