Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper removed from commissioner’s exempt list

Cooper has now been removed from the exempt list, Tom Pelissero of the Ringer reports. A return to practice will be possible as a result. Cooper’s season debut could come as early as Week 7.

“Playing in the NFL and representing the Denver Broncos is a privilege I do not take for granted,” a statement from Cooper reads in part. “I’m grateful to ownership, my teammates, coaches and everyone in the organization for their support as well as Commissioner Goodell and the league for the opportunity to return. Over the last several months, I’ve spent a lot of time working to better myself. That work will continue.”

Today’s news comes shortly after a key development in Cooper’s legal case. His trial date had been set to fall on the Broncos’ bye week, but as Mike Klis of 9News notes it has been pushed back to March 2-4. In other words, Cooper is not in position to have legal clarity until well after the 2026 campaign is over. Now, his attention will turn to a return to action with Denver.

A league statement confirms Cooper is eligible to play as early as Week 7. The NFL’s investigation under the personal conduct policy is still ongoing at this time, however. It will not be altered by Cooper being allowed to return to action. A fine and/or suspension could be coming in the future, although the games spent on the exempt list would count toward any potential ban.

Cooper and his then-girlfriend were arrested on simple assault charges in early June, leading to the beginning of criminal proceedings and a league investigation. The sixth-year veteran faces additional charges stemming from the violation of a protection order against the woman in question; Cooper entered a plea of not guilty on all five counts. A pre-existing travel permission order was maintained during this week’s change of schedule, per Klis, meaning Cooper will be able to play in both home and road games upon returning to the field.

While it remains to be seen what level of discipline will be handed down, this news will allow for a considerable boost to the Broncos’ pass rush. Cooper has been a full-time starter since 2023, notching between 8.0 and 10.5 sacks each year during that span. High-end production will be expected once again as he rejoins a Denver team which sits at 4-2 thanks to yesterday’s win over Seattle.

In the aftermath of Cooper’s arrest, it became clear the Broncos were not giving thought to a release in his case. The former seventh-rounder is owed $12MM for this season – a portion of which would be forfeited in the event of a suspension after a spell of what amounted to paid leave – and his contract runs through 2028.