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.

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

2026-03-06 — 2026 NFL free agency: Biggest needs, predictions for 32 teams (2026 NFL free agency: Biggest needs, predictions for 32 teams)
2026-06-12 — Jonathon Cooper arrested again, allegedly violated protection order (Jonathon Cooper arrested again, allegedly violated protection order)
2026-06-12 — Broncos pass rusher arrested again, faces new charges (Broncos pass rusher arrested again, faces new charges)
2026-06-09 — 53-man roster prediction for Broncos after first week of OTAs (53-man roster prediction for Broncos after first week of OTAs)
2026-06-11 — Former NFL first-round pick Darron Lee indicted on first-degree murder charge in... (Former NFL first-round pick Darron Lee indicted on first-degree murder charge in...)
2026-03-04 — 2026 NFL Top 50 Free Agents (2026 NFL Top 50 Free Agents)
2026-06-05 — Broncos' projected starters on offense and defense after first week of OTAs (Broncos' projected starters on offense and defense after first week of OTAs)
2026-03-02 — Broncos big board: 25 prospects Denver could target early in the 2026 NFL Draft - The... (Broncos big board: 25 prospects Denver could target early in the 2026 NFL Draft - The...)
2026-03-05 — Broncos free agency tracker: View the latest news and rumors (Broncos free agency tracker: View the latest news and rumors)
2026-03-09 — Broncos free agency tracker: View all of the team's signings (Broncos free agency tracker: View all of the team's signings)

Open Questions

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