The Denver Broncos faced a disruption to an otherwise smooth offseason after starting outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested on domestic abuse charges on June 4 and then again last week on additional charges, including harassment and violating a protection order. As a result, Cooper was excused from the team’s mandatory three-day minicamp, which runs through June 18, to focus on legal and personal issues.
Cooper now faces a serious felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation, alongside prior misdemeanors, raising potential legal and disciplinary concerns for the 2026 season. The incident details, including statements from Cooper’s girlfriend and Cooper’s affidavit, underscore the severity of the situation and the potential impact on his playing status. If convicted or pending verdicts result in suspension, the Broncos could miss Cooper for multiple games.
Without Cooper, Denver would lean on Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman to fill the edge-rushing role opposite Nik Bonitto. Tillman has been a strong rotational presence with 9 sacks over two seasons, while Elliss recorded 7.5 sacks in his first two years, making them the primary internal options to mitigate Cooper’s absence.
Key Takeaways
– Cooper was excused from minicamp due to ongoing legal issues stemming from domestic violence charges.
– He faces serious charges including second-degree assault by strangulation, with potential jail time and possible season suspension.
– The Broncos’ depth at outside linebacker will be tested by this absence, relying on Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman to step up opposite Nik Bonitto.
