Full Breakdown
Jonathon Cooper Returns to Broncos After NFL Removes Him From Exempt List
By Drooid · · How we work
Cooper Removed from NFL Exempt List, Eligible for Week 7
On October 16, 2026, the National Football League announced that Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper was taken off the commissioner’s exempt list, making him eligible to play in the Broncos’ Week 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on October 25. The league said the change does not affect its ongoing review of Cooper’s conduct under the Personal Conduct Policy.
Background and Legal Context
Cooper, 28, was first placed on the exempt list on August 30 after two arrests in June. The initial arrest on June 4 stemmed from an argument with his then-girlfriend that led to a felony charge of strangulation. A second arrest on June 11 added misdemeanor charges for violating a protection order and criminal mischief. Cooper pleaded not guilty to a felony second-degree assault-by-strangulation charge and three misdemeanors. A motion hearing was held in late August, and the jury trial has been rescheduled to March 2-4 after an earlier date in mid-November was postponed.
Data and Financial Implications
- Salary: Cooper is under a $12 million contract for the 2026 season.
- Game checks: While on the exempt list he received weekly game checks of $676,471. If the league later imposes a suspension, any suspended weeks must be repaid, as personal-conduct suspensions are unpaid.
- Potential suspension: The NFL’s domestic-violence policy sets a baseline six-game suspension. Because Cooper missed the first six games while on the exempt list, a six-game suspension would count as time already served; any longer suspension would require additional missed games and further repayment of game checks.
Official Statements & Responses
- Broncos head coach Sean Payton emphasized that the team will continue to follow the league’s investigation and the legal process, noting that the organization has provided therapy and other support resources for Cooper.
- Cooper posted on Instagram after the reinstatement, expressing gratitude to the organization and acknowledging the privilege of playing in the NFL.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Over the last several months, I've spent a lot of time working to better myself. That work will continue,” — Jonathon Cooper, from the commissioner
Impact on Broncos Defense
Cooper’s return restores a key pass-rushing option for Denver, which has relied on a rotation of Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson and Nik Bonitto during his absence. The Broncos entered Week 6 with a 4-2 record, highlighted by a 17-14 overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks that featured six sacks and three turnovers. With Cooper back, the team can re-integrate his 31.5 career sacks and improve its edge-rush depth, potentially influencing defensive schemes against the Cardinals’ offense.