ClutchPoints
As the Denver Broncos begin the summer ramp-up process for the 2026 NFL season, one player who will not be on the field for them at minicamp is Jonathon Cooper, who was arrested earlier in June for multiple accounts of domestic violence.
With the case still very new, with more details emerging with each subsequent court hearing, the Broncos have to keep moving forward, even if they’ve officially excused Cooper from camp as he works through his legal issues.
Discussing Cooper’s case with reporters during minicamp, Sean Payton noted that the Broncos are taking the matter very seriously, as they have a high bar for their players, coaches, and beyond.
“He’s taken this time, obviously, he’s got to work on himself. And the club is very much in tune to the league office, local authorities here. And we’ve had several meetings,” Payton explained.
“Clearly, from an ownership standpoint, head coach organizationally, there’s a bar that we have and an expectation that we have that’s very high. We’ll consider all of that as we continue to gather the information. And that’s really all I can tell you.”
On the field, Cooper was meant to be a major part of Payton’s defense, averaging nine sacks per year over the last three seasons as he’s established himself as one of the NFL’s top edge rushers. After saying goodbye to John Franklin-Myers in free agency, if Cooper is unable to play, the Broncos might have to get creative in order to maintain their elite defensive front.
The Broncos have excused Jonathon Cooper amid his legal situation, per Sean Payton pic.twitter.com/btAbGhdFrL
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) June 16, 2026
The post Sean Payton takes stance on Jonathon Cooper arrest, Broncos minicamp excusal appeared first on ClutchPoints.
