Jonathon Cooper
NFL player. Position: DE. Team: DEN.
Quick Facts
- Position: DE (Edge Rusher)
- Team: DEN (Denver Broncos)
- Draft: 7th overall, 2021 (Ohio State)
- Contract: 4-year, $54M extension signed 2024, under contract through 2028
2026 Outlook
Cooper enters 2026 as Denver's second-leading edge rusher behind Pro Bowler Nik Bonitto. In 2025, Cooper recorded 8 sacks and 16 QB hits, proving himself a key part of the Broncos' elite defense that ranked third in scoring prevention.
June 5 arrest: Cooper was arrested late Thursday night, June 5, on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence and criminal mischief after an incident with his girlfriend of ~4 years. According to the arrest affidavit, she alleged infidelity; during the ensuing argument, Cooper grabbed her by the upper arms to retrieve his phone, and later braced his neck against her neck to prevent her from accessing it. He then damaged her phone, reportedly by biting it. As of Friday afternoon, Cooper was officially charged only with Class 2 misdemeanor for criminal mischief (the domestic violence charge did not result in formal charges). He was arrested at 11:16 PM Thursday, booked at 2:38 AM Friday, and obtained a personal recognizance bond. A disposition hearing was scheduled for Monday. The incident creates immediate uncertainty around his 2026 availability—Cooper's potential suspension or legal consequences would significantly impact Denver's edge depth if prolonged (per Broncos' Jonathon Cooper, LB's girlfriend reportedly arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence, criminal mischief - Yahoo Sports).
June 12 development: Cooper arrested again for allegedly violating a protection order filed against him earlier in the week. He sent 20 messages and made two phone calls to his girlfriend on June 12, then went to her apartment and knocked on her door before leaving when she called 911. Cooper claimed he hadn't been served with the protection order. The NFL placed the matter under personal conduct policy review (per Jonathon Cooper arrested again, allegedly violated protection order). This escalates his legal jeopardy and raises suspension risk for 2026 season.
June 15 update: NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed Cooper is under active review per the personal conduct policy and could face a baseline six-game suspension depending on the final determination. The league is unlikely to make a final ruling until after his legal proceedings resolve, with motions hearings set for July 6 and July 14. If suspended, his absence would significantly impact Denver's edge rushing depth during a championship window year (per Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper could face suspension from NFL).
Role / Depth Chart
Edge rusher in Denver's 3-4 base defense. Primary starter alongside Nik Bonitto. Status uncertain pending legal proceedings.
Injury Status
None reported as of June 2026.
Recent News
- 2026-02-18 — 2026 NFL offseason: Players who need a change of scenery (2026 NFL offseason: Players who need a change of scenery)
- 2026-04-24 — Six teams who traded first-round picks set sights on Day 2 of NFL draft (Six teams who traded first-round picks set sights on Day 2 of NFL draft)
- 2026-04-23 — Broncos depth chart going into 2026 NFL draft (Broncos depth chart going into 2026 NFL draft)
- 2026-03-06 — 2026 NFL free agency: Biggest needs, predictions for 32 teams (2026 NFL free agency: Biggest needs, predictions for 32 teams)
- 2026-06-19 — Final 2026 NFL Offseason Power Rankings (Final 2026 NFL Offseason Power Rankings)
- 2026-03-04 — 2026 NFL Top 50 Free Agents (2026 NFL Top 50 Free Agents)
- 2026-06-19 — Bo Nix 1 of 5 quarterbacks seen as longshot NFL MVP candidates (Bo Nix 1 of 5 quarterbacks seen as longshot NFL MVP candidates)
- 2026-06-19 — NFL power rankings: There's a new No. 1 after eventful offseason, June trades (NFL power rankings: There's a new No. 1 after eventful offseason, June trades)
- 2026-06-17 — 2026 NFL minicamp live updates: Latest on Titans' Cam Ward (2026 NFL minicamp live updates: Latest on Titans' Cam Ward)
- 2026-06-16 — 2026 NFL minicamp live updates: Latest on Titans' Cam Ward (2026 NFL minicamp live updates: Latest on Titans' Cam Ward)
Open Questions
- Will legal proceedings result in suspension or other NFL discipline affecting 2026 availability?
DEN