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

August 30 — Commissioner Exempt List: Placed on the NFL Commissioner's Exempt List on August 30, 2026, prohibiting him from practicing or playing for Denver while the matter is under review. Cooper continues to receive full salary and may attend facility meetings and training. The placement comes ahead of his scheduled court appearance in Douglas County on August 31 for arraignment on domestic violence charges. (per Sources: Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper placed on exempt list, NFL places Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper on Commissioner's Exempt List)

Cooper was arrested twice in June 2026 on separate domestic violence charges. First arrest (June 5): misdemeanor domestic violence and criminal mischief. Second arrest (June 12): violation of a protection order. These dual arrests escalated the situation from a precautionary matter into formal NFL investigation territory. Cooper faces a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation and three misdemeanors, including violating a protection order. A trial date will be set at the August 31 arraignment. The timing means Cooper is unavailable to start the 2026 season, with duration of absence dependent on legal proceedings and NFL review outcome (per Jonathon Cooper arrested again, allegedly violated protection order, Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper could face suspension from NFL).

Cooper's absence creates immediate depth concerns for Denver's edge rushing unit. He was a primary starter alongside Nik Bonitto and recorded 8 sacks in 2025. His loss forces the Broncos to lean on backup options—a significant downgrade at a premium position during a championship-window year.

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

2026-08-30 — Sources: Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper placed on exempt list (Sources: Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper placed on exempt list)
2026-08-30 — NFL places Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper on Commissioner's Exempt List (NFL places Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper on Commissioner's Exempt List)
2026-08-30 — Troubled Broncos Star Jonathon Cooper Gets Terrible News From NFL (Troubled Broncos Star Jonathon Cooper Gets Terrible News From NFL)
2026-08-30 — NFL places Jonathon Cooper on paid leave (NFL places Jonathon Cooper on paid leave)
2026-07-23 — What do the Broncos do with Jonathon Cooper? (What do the Broncos do with Jonathon Cooper?)
2026-07-24 — Jonathon Cooper's arraignment date set after training camp, preseason (Jonathon Cooper's arraignment date set after training camp, preseason)
2026-06-18 — Broncos face uncertainty with Jonathon Cooper, but pass-rush depth inspires confidence (Broncos face uncertainty with Jonathon Cooper, but pass-rush depth inspires confidence)
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)

Open Questions

Will legal proceedings result in suspension or other NFL discipline affecting 2026 availability?