Broncos Face Dilemma with Linebacker Jonathon Cooper Amid Legal Issues

The Denver Broncos are confronting a challenging decision regarding linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who has recently found himself in legal trouble. The 2021 late-round draft pick was arrested twice in one week for different offenses. The first incident involved a domestic altercation with his girlfriend, which included serious allegations of strangulation, while the second arrest was for breaching a restraining order.

As a result of these developments, Cooper has been excused from the team's mandatory minicamp, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming training camp next month. The Broncos are now faced with difficult questions about his future with the organization, especially considering the off-field issues that have emerged during the tenure of the Walton-Penner ownership group.

Should the team decide to release Cooper, it would come as a surprise to many, but the financial implications are significant; cutting him would mean incurring $5.7 million in dead money. In the event of Cooper's departure, linebacker Jonah Elliss could step into a starting position, and the team might increase the roles of players like Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman. Additionally, speculation has grown about a potential reunion with former star linebacker Von Miller, who expressed interest in rejoining the Broncos.

Miller, now 37, had a productive season with the Washington Commanders, racking up nine sacks as a situational pass rusher. NFL draft writer Eric Edholm recently highlighted the possibility of Miller returning to Denver, noting, “He seems willing to give it another run and could be a fine pass-rush specialist for the Broncos.” With Cooper's situation still unfolding, the Broncos will have to weigh their options carefully in the coming weeks.