Although the Denver Broncos had a 5-4 record following their blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, they surprised many on Monday by trading away passer Baron Browning.

Denver dealt Browning to the Arizona Cardinals. Tom Pelissero of NFL Media was first to report that the Broncos only received a sixth-round pick for Browning in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Browning, 25, was a third-round pick of the Broncos in 2021 out of Ohio State. Prior to the 2024 season, he totaled 21 quarterback hits and 9.5 sacks in two seasons.

The pass rusher took a step back this season before being dealt, recording just seven tackles without a sack in five games.

Whether this deal means the Broncos plan to go into seller mode before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline remains to be seen. But rumors have been pointing in this direction for a long time. Sure, Denver is in the middle of a playoff race. But general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton are primarily thinking about the future.

This is further reinforced by the decision to start rookie quarterback Bo Nix this season.

Three Denver Broncos players could move up before the NFL trade deadline

There are a number of players on Denver's roster who would receive interest if they were added to the trading block in the next few hours.

Before trading Browning, the Broncos signed fellow edge rusher Jonathon Cooper to a four-year, $60 million contract. Could this lead to another player or two in that position leaving town soon? Here's a look at some players who could be considering an early move with the Broncos.

Courtland Sutton, wide receiver

There have been rumors that the 29-year-old Sutton has been in the trade for some time. This included, among other things, a contract standstill between the former Pro Bowler and his team during the offseason.

Sutton is set to become a free agent after next season and may not fit into the Broncos' long-term plans. The only problem here would be moving Nix's top target midway through the season.

ForbesNFL trade deadline: 5 wide receivers that could be moved, including Cooper KuppFrom Vincent Frank

If the Broncos do indeed sign Sutton, there will be a lot of interest in his services. So far this season, the former second-round pick from Southern Methodist has 36 receptions for 499 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. The Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers are teams to keep an eye on.

DJ Jones, defensive tackle

Jones is another little-known player who could be available before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. The former sixth-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers has been a full-time starter since signing with Denver prior to the 2022 season. He is one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the game right now.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic recently reported that Denver won't be moving Jones. But that could change if the team receives a solid offer for the veteran. He has been frequently linked to his former 49ers team in recent days. It's definitely something to keep an eye on.

Javonte Williams, running back

Williams, 24, came to Denver with high expectations after the team maxed out a second-round pick in 2021 on the North Carolina product. Unfortunately, things just didn't work out for Williams at Mile High.

He suffered a torn ACL four games into the 2022 season and has not returned to pre-injury form. So far this season, Williams has averaged just 3.8 yards per rush. In reality, it's been a battle in the Broncos' backfield all year.

The background is Williams' status as a free agent after the 2024 season. If Denver can get some draft capital for the young running back, it will have to think long and hard about signing him.