Broncos sign Jonathon Cooper to a $60M extension, Coach Payton praises his high effort

Alex Parker

u/alex

The Denver Broncos have signed outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper to a four-year, $60 million extension with $33 million guaranteed.

Why it matters: This contract solidifies Cooper's role as a key defensive player for the Broncos and reflects his impressive performance on the field.

  • Cooper is known for his high effort and has been a significant contributor to the Broncos' success in generating sacks.
  • He ranks second on the team in sacks with 5.5, just behind Nik Bonitto's six.
  • The Broncos have shown a strong pass rush this season, tying for second in the league with 31 total sacks.

What's new: The Broncos have made a strategic move by securing Cooper's services for the long term, ensuring continuity and stability in their defense.

Yes, but: Despite Cooper's success, the Broncos had to part ways with fellow outside linebacker Baron Browning, who was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2025 sixth-round pick.

  • Browning, a third-round pick from the same year as Cooper, adds to the turnover in the Broncos' linebacking corps.

What to watch: With Cooper secured, the Broncos will look to build upon their strong defensive foundation and continue their success in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

What's next: The focus for the Broncos will be on maintaining a consistent pass rush and maximizing Cooper's potential impact on the field.

  • Cooper led the team in sacks last season with 8.5 and has played in 56 games over the past four seasons, making 40 starts.
  • His ability to disrupt the opposing offense will be crucial for the Broncos' defensive strategy moving forward.

The bottom line: By signing Cooper to a lucrative extension, the Broncos demonstrate their confidence in his abilities and commitment to building a formidable defense.

  • Cooper's previous medical history of an irregular heartbeat due to Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome did not deter the team from investing in his long-term future.
  • Coach Sean Payton's praise for Cooper's high-effort approach reinforces the value he brings to the team.

Quote: "He's one of our high-effort players," said Coach Sean Payton on Jonathon Cooper.

Quote: "I had two ablations in high school, and then leading up to the draft, I found out I needed another one," said Jonathon Cooper, referring to his medical history.