Denver, CO – The Denver Broncos announced Sunday that linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list. The move comes as Cooper faces a felony charge of second‑degree assault by strangulation and three misdemeanor counts, including an alleged violation of a protection order.
Legal proceedings and league response
Cooper, 28, is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday in Douglas County, Colorado. The exempt list allows the player to remain on the team’s payroll and attend meetings and workouts at the Broncos facility, but he is barred from practicing with the squad or participating in games while the league’s personal‑conduct review is ongoing.
The NFL uses the exempt designation when a player is under investigation for potential violations of its conduct policy. It is not a suspension, and the league may impose additional discipline after its review is complete.
Background of the charges
According to court filings, Cooper was first arrested on June 4 after an incident involving his girlfriend. A second arrest followed a week later when authorities said he repeatedly contacted her and entered her residence despite a protection order. The misdemeanor allegations stem from those alleged violations.
While the legal process proceeds, the Broncos have kept Cooper on the roster in a limited capacity. He was allowed to participate in training camp and the preseason, even playing eight snaps in the team’s 34‑6 preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday. Head coach Sean Payton noted that uncertainty about Cooper’s availability for the regular season factored into the decision to use him in that game.
Cooper’s on‑field contributions
Since being selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Cooper has become one of Denver’s most reliable pass rushers. He started every game over the past three seasons, posting at least eight sacks each year and a career‑high 10.5 sacks in 2024. He recorded eight sacks last season, bringing his total to 31.5 sacks in 81 career games.
In 2024, the Broncos signed Cooper to a four‑year, $60 million extension, reflecting his value to the defense.
What this means for the Broncos
While Cooper remains on the exempt list, he will continue to be paid and will not count against the Broncos’ 53‑man roster limit. The team will need to adjust its defensive rotation if the investigation results in further league discipline or a conviction.
Fans and local supporters will be watching the legal proceedings closely, as the outcome could affect both Cooper’s career and the Broncos’ defensive plans for the upcoming season.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
