NFL places Jonathon Cooper on commissioner's exempt list
7 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 8:10 PM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
The NFL placed Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner's exempt list as he faces felony assault charges. Under the terms of the designation, Cooper will continue to receive his salary but is barred from practicing or appearing in games. He remains permitted to participate in team meetings and use club facilities. This status ensures Cooper does not count against the team's 53-man active roster limit while his legal proceedings remain active. Cooper, who is expected to plead not guilty to five charges this coming Monday following two arrests earlier this summer, is not currently facing a league-mandated suspension. The Denver Broncos are expected to proceed into the regular season with a depth chart featuring Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson, and Dondrea Tillman at the outside linebacker position.
- •Jonathon Cooper will not count against the 53-man active roster limit.
- •The commissioner's exempt list status allows for continued pay but prohibits game participation.
- •Cooper faces five felony assault charges stemming from two arrests earlier this summer.
- •A not guilty plea is expected from the player this Monday.
- 8:10 PMESPN — Sources: Broncos' Cooper placed on exempt list
- 8:06 PMYahoo Sports — Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper on commissioner's exempt list due to multiple arrests for alleged domestic violence incident
- 7:45 PMYahoo Sports — Broncos star lands on Roger Goodell’s exempt list amid string of legal cases
- 7:42 PMYahoo Sports — Broncos' Jonathon Cooper to start season on commissioner's exempt list, AP source says
- 7:11 PMYahoo Sports — Broncos' Jonathon Cooper to be placed on NFL commissioner's exempt list: Reports
- 6:46 PMYahoo Sports — NFL makes initial decision on Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper
"A person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Sunday that Denver Bronco s linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who's facing a felony strangulation charge, will start the season on the commissioner's exempt list. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move wasn't immediately announced by the team or the NFL ahead of Sunday's roster cutdown deadline. Cooper faces an arraignment Monday on several domestic violence charges following two arrests in June stemming from altercations with a woman he was dating at the time.
"Denver Broncos will begin the regular season without outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper after the NFL placed him on the commissioner’s exempt list. The decision comes after Cooper was involved in two incidents involving his former girlfriend during the summer, resulting in two arrests and five charges.
"The NFL is placing Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner exempt list following a pair of arrests earlier this summer on domestic violence charges.
Sources
External links- ESPNAug 30, 2026, 8:10 PMSources: Broncos' Cooper placed on exempt list
The NFL is placing Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner exempt list following a pair of arrests earlier this summer on domestic violence charges.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 8:06 PMBroncos LB Jonathon Cooper on commissioner's exempt list due to multiple arrests for alleged domestic violence incident
Cooper faces multiple charges for an alleged incident involving his former girlfriend, including a felony assault/strangulation charge.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 7:45 PMBroncos star lands on Roger Goodell’s exempt list amid string of legal cases
Denver Broncos will begin the regular season without outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper after the NFL placed him on the commissioner’s exempt list. The decision comes after Cooper was involved in two incidents involving his former girlfriend during the summer, resulting in two arrests and five charges.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 7:42 PMBroncos' Jonathon Cooper to start season on commissioner's exempt list, AP source says
A person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Sunday that Denver Bronco s linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who's facing a felony strangulation charge, will start the season on the commissioner's exempt list. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move wasn't immediately announced by the team or the NFL ahead of Sunday's roster cutdown deadline. Cooper faces an arraignment Monday on several domestic violence charges following two arrests in June stemming from altercations with a woman he was dating at the time.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 7:11 PMBroncos' Jonathon Cooper to be placed on NFL commissioner's exempt list: Reports
Broncos star Jonathon Cooper is being placed on the NFL commissioner's exempt list after a pair of offseason arrests relating to domestic violence.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 6:46 PMNFL makes initial decision on Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper
Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper will not count against the 53-man roster while on the commissioner's exempt list.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Aug 30, 2026, 8:12 PMBroncos cut rookie safety, but he could return on practice squad
NFL•Aug 30, 2026, 8:10 PMDenver Broncos’ pass rush takes a hit after Jonathon Cooper update
NFL•Aug 30, 2026, 8:02 PMPackers RB Josh Jacobs placed on the NFL’s commissioner exempt list
NFL•Aug 30, 2026, 7:58 PMDenver Broncos have waived long snapper Luke Basso
NFL•Aug 30, 2026, 7:53 PMFormer Vikings tight end waived by the Atlanta Falcons
NFL•Aug 30, 2026, 7:48 PMRams Officially Make Roster Decision with 7-Year Veteran Amid Aaron Donald Rumors