Broncos’ Jonathon Cooper trial takes an unexpected turn

It all started with the first arrest of Jonathon Cooper and his long-time girlfriend, where the police responded to a domestic disturbance call, and both of them were booked by the Douglas County police.

But his struggles stepped up when the medical evaluation confirmed the signs of choking, and his charges were upgraded to “second-degree a****** by strangulation.”

Later, Jonathon Cooper was legally barred from contacting his girlfriend. Authorities allege he violated that order by sending text messages, making phone calls, and knocking on the door of her apartment, a development later confirmed by head coach Sean Payton.

After his second arrest, he made another appearance in front of the judge, where he was given a stricter no-contact notice that also barred him from leaving Colorado.

The Broncos also excused him from the mandatory minicamp. 

Klis also raised concerns around the Broncos’ front office, saying they might have tougher choices to make amid the recent development around the shifting of the trial.

Denver Broncos face tough decision on Jonathon Cooper

As reported by Mike Klis, the Denver Broncos now have some tough decisions to make. This could be continuing with Cooper for the 2026 season or releasing him before the courthouse gives its ruling. 

“So, the Broncos — (owner) Greg Penner and (head coach) Sean Payton and (general manager) George Paton — have a decision to do,” Klis continued. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Jonathon Cooper’s out there for Day One of training camp, and he’s with them this year.”

If the legal situation worsens, the Broncos have financial flexibility to move on from Cooper. 

They could release him without increasing their 2026 salary cap hit, taking on $5.78M in dead money this season and $4.05M next year, per Over the Cap. 

In a similar case, the Detroit Lions released Terrion Arnold, but with uncertainty around it might not be good news for the franchise.