The Denver Broncos are facing a significant challenge at the start of the season with the news that outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list. This decision comes in the wake of two arrests related to alleged domestic violence incidents that occurred in June, which have now barred him from participating in team activities or games until further notice.
With Cooper sidelined, the Broncos will look to third-year player Jonah Elliss to step up in his absence. Additionally, both Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman are expected to see increased roles as situational pass rushers. Despite the setback, Broncos general manager George Paton expressed confidence in the team's depth at the outside linebacker position.
Paton remarked on the experience of the players stepping into larger roles, stating, “These guys have all played in big games and done well. All these guys we feel like can play. We like the depth there. We led the league in sacks the last two years, and these guys were all a part of that.” He highlighted the contributions of Robinson, who had notable performances late last season, and expressed optimism about Elliss and Tillman as well.
In light of Cooper's situation, the Broncos may also explore options in free agency or look to their practice squad for additional support. Veteran pass rushers such as Kyle Van Noy, Haason Reddick, and Leonard Floyd are available, all of whom have proven track records of making impactful plays on defense. However, the Broncos appear to be satisfied with their current roster, which includes Nik Bonitto, Elliss, Robinson, and Tillman.
While the team has depth, Paton acknowledged the importance of continually assessing their options, stating, “You can never have enough pass rushers, so we’ll kind of see how that goes.” The Broncos' practice squad features Johnny Walker and international pathway player David Agoha, with Walker potentially being an option if the team finds itself in a pinch, although Agoha is not yet ready for NFL action.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how the Broncos will manage their outside linebacker corps without Cooper. The team is likely to rely on the existing talent and experience within their ranks until Cooper's situation is resolved. The Broncos have demonstrated resilience in the past, and with a strong defensive foundation, they hope to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
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