The team has expressed a belief that some form of punishment is coming, though specifics remain uncertain. Cooper is under contract through 2028 for a $60 million deal, and the Broncos are weighing how a suspension would impact their roster plans as they approach the regular season.
Insider insight indicates the Broncos would welcome clarity from the league on the timeline of any potential suspension. The primary concern is how a suspension would affect roster decisions before the season starts. If the league does not provide guidance, the Broncos worry they might be forced to keep Cooper on the active roster or navigate waivers and roster moves without knowing when he would be available to play.
From a legal perspective, there is continued discussion around possible resolutions, including the potential for a settlement or plea deal, which could involve reduced charges or probation terms. However, this legal outcome is separate from any league disciplinary action, which the NFL could impose at its discretion and independent of the ongoing court process. Broncos officials have not publicly wavered in their support for Cooper, particularly under head coach Sean Payton, and Cooper has appeared in preseason games as the team evaluates his role for the season.
Ultimately, the balance the Broncos are trying to strike involves honoring the legal process while planning for the football season. The NFL’s decision on any suspension could significantly influence Cooper’s playing time and the team’s deployment of its outside linebackers in 2026. As the situation evolves, all parties will be watching closely for developments that could alter both Cooper’s status and the Broncos’ strategic approach to the upcoming season.
