Broncos Face Roster Shock
Denver Broncos Linebacker Jonathon Cooper Placed On NFL Exempt List Amid Felony Charges
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Key Points
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Cooper faces five charges from two June incidents, including third-degree assault, criminal mischief, violating a protective order, and harassment, in addition to the second-degree felony assault by strangulation.
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An arraignment is scheduled for Monday, with reports indicating Cooper is expected to plead not guilty to at least some of the charges as the case proceeds.
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Cooper’s contract could expose him to forfeiture of per-game active roster bonuses (around $30,000 per game) depending on the language of his deal, even while he’s on paid leave.
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The Broncos may rely on younger edge players to cover for Cooper, with third-year edge Jonah Elliss and second-year edge Que Robinson expected to fill increased roles if a suspension follows.
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Cooper has accumulated 27 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and 49 quarterback hits over three seasons, illustrating the level of impact the Broncos are potentially losing while the case plays out.
The NFL placed Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner's exempt list ahead of the 2026 season, removing him from play while facing multiple domestic-violence charges stemming from two June incidents AP. Cooper will remain on paid leave but cannot practice or play, and he does not count toward the team's 53-man roster as the case proceeds.
Cooper faces five charges overall, including second-degree assault by strangulation, third-degree assault, criminal mischief, and violating a protective order AP. An arraignment is scheduled for Monday, with reports indicating he is expected to plead not guilty to at least some charges as the legal process unfolds.
Felony Strangulation Charge Triggers NFL Action
The exempt list placement follows accusations tied to two summer incidents involving domestic violence. The second-degree felony assault by strangulation represents the most serious charge Cooper faces, according to court filings and AP reporting AP. The other charges include third-degree assault, criminal mischief, harassment, and violating a protective order stemming from the same period.
Cooper's arraignment is set for Monday, where legal observers expect him to enter not-guilty pleas on at least some counts AP. The exemption itself is not a suspension but signals the league is monitoring the case closely and preparing for potential discipline once the legal proceedings conclude.
Financial Hit and Contract Forfeiture Risk
While on paid leave, Cooper could lose per-game active roster bonuses worth roughly $30,000 per contest, depending on his contract language AP. The exempt list designation keeps his salary intact but may trigger bonus forfeiture if the contract includes performance or roster status conditions tied to availability.
Cooper signed a multi-year deal with Denver, but the financial exposure from missing games—whether due to suspension or legal proceedings—could reduce his 2026 earnings significantly if the team eventually disciplines him or if legal outcomes trigger additional contract clauses.
Broncos Face Edge Rusher Depth Challenge
Cooper's absence forces Denver to lean on younger pass rushers to fill the gap. Third-year edge Jonah Elliss and second-year edge Que Robinson are expected to absorb increased snaps if Cooper faces a lengthy suspension AP. Over three seasons, Cooper has recorded 27 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and 49 quarterback hits—a significant production loss for the defensive line.
The Broncos have not publicly ruled out contingency plans like trades or free-agent signings to bolster pass rush depth. However, the team must navigate roster salary and draft capital constraints while waiting to see how Cooper's case resolves and what discipline the league ultimately imposes AP.
Exempt List Timeline and Next Steps
The commissioner's exempt list is typically a holding pattern while legal matters move through the courts. Cooper remains on paid leave and can attend team facilities for conditioning and treatment but cannot participate in practices or games AP. His status will likely remain unchanged until the arraignment or a plea agreement is reached.
If Cooper is convicted or accepts a plea deal, the NFL could impose a suspension ranging from several games to a full season. The team and league are preparing for the possibility that Cooper may be unavailable for much of the 2026 campaign, forcing Denver's defensive scheme to adapt around his absence AP.
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