In a bold move to secure the future of their pass rush, the Denver Broncos have signed outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper to a substantial four-year contract extension worth $60 million, with $33 million in guaranteed money, according to a source close to the situation.
Rising Star Rewarded
Cooper, a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as a key contributor to the Broncos’ defense. Leading the team with 8.5 sacks last season, he has already racked up 5.5 sacks through the first nine games of the 2024 campaign, second only to teammate Nik Bonitto.
Head coach Sean Payton has praised Cooper as one of the squad’s most relentless players, consistently bringing high effort and intensity to every snap. His emergence, along with the continued development of Bonitto and others, has helped propel the Broncos to a tie for second in the league with 31 total sacks thus far.
Overcoming Adversity
Cooper’s journey to NFL stardom has not been without challenges. Diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a congenital heart defect, during his high school years, he underwent two ablation procedures to correct the irregular heartbeat issues. Despite this setback, he went on to excel at Ohio State, playing five seasons without further complications.
However, just 48 hours before the 2021 NFL Draft, a medical evaluation revealed that Cooper required yet another ablation. Undeterred, he underwent three separate eight-hour procedures shortly after joining the Broncos, missing part of his rookie offseason program before being medically cleared to play. He then proceeded to appear in all 16 games, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Tough Choices in the Mile High City
With the salary cap an ever-present concern, the Broncos were faced with a difficult decision regarding their talented young outside linebackers. Both Cooper and 2021 third-round pick Baron Browning were set to become unrestricted free agents in March, forcing the team to prioritize one over the other.
Ultimately, Denver chose to invest in Cooper, inking him to the long-term deal this past weekend. Browning, meanwhile, was traded to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, a move that helps alleviate some of the Broncos’ cap pressure while bringing in an additional asset for the future.
A Bright Future in Denver
With Cooper now locked up through the 2028 season, the Broncos have ensured that a key piece of their fearsome pass rush will remain in Denver for the foreseeable future. As the team continues to build around its young core, the combination of Cooper, Bonitto, and the rest of the talented defense figures to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks for years to come.
For Cooper, the massive extension serves as a well-deserved reward for his hard work, perseverance, and on-field production. Having overcome significant health hurdles to reach this point, he can now focus on continuing to hone his craft and helping lead the Broncos back to the top of the AFC West and into Super Bowl contention.
The Road Ahead
As the Broncos move forward with Cooper as a cornerstone of their defense, the team will look to build upon the success they’ve found in generating pressure on opposing passers. With a mix of young talent and savvy veterans, Denver’s pass rush should continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.
For now, Cooper and his teammates will turn their attention to the second half of the 2024 campaign, aiming to make a strong push for the playoffs and potentially a deep postseason run. With his long-term future in Denver secure, the rising star can play with the confidence and freedom to take his game to even greater heights, striking fear into the hearts of quarterbacks across the league.
