Jonathon Cooper

Career StatsB-

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		81	266	31.5	1
2025		17	50	8.0	0
2024		17	58	10.5	0
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Jonathon Cooper drew a C- on the Contract Value Index — a calibrated read on Denver's cap allocation at edge rusher. At $15 million AAV over four years, Cooper's deal reflects a solid starter valuation rather than elite pass-rusher pricing, and that verdict aligns squarely with his on-field output: 50 tackles and 8 sacks across 17 games in 2025 underscores reliable production without the statistical ceiling you'd expect from a franchise-caliber edge defender. The contract sits in an uncomfortable middle — too rich to be viewed as a bargain, yet not anchored by All-Pro credentials or elite sack volume that would justify top-tier compensation at his position. At 28 years old and five seasons into his career, Cooper has proven himself a dependable high-motor contributor, but his $15 million annual hit lacks the upside that would make this deal age gracefully, particularly as Denver's recent $8.2 million restructure has already signaled organizational cost-consciousness. The arrival of Sean Payton as head coach introduces uncertainty; while the media frames Cooper as a productive presence whose fastest pass-rush get-off in the league validates his athleticism, the restructuring and quiet questions about his long-term role suggest Denver views him as movable rather than foundational. For a player of his production tier and career stage, the CVI grade reflects fair value with modest downside risk — he is paid like a starter, performs like a starter, but lacks the distinction or durability assurance to command premium long-term security in today's edge-rusher market.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Jonathon's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Jonathon Cooper is a five-year veteran linebacker for Denver who has carved out a reliable role as a run-defender and pass-rusher on the edge. The 28-year-old has appeared in 81 career games and earned a B-minus grade this season, reflecting steady contributions in a supporting capacity within the Broncos' linebacker rotation. While Cooper remains a productive contributor, his performance has plateaued over the past two seasons, with grades of C in both 2024 and 2023 before a modest uptick to C-plus in 2025. Cooper's elite pass-rush productivity stands out most prominently—he's generating 0.47 sacks per game, nearly three times the NFL average of 0.15 and virtually matching the elite threshold of 0.51. His tackling for loss rate of 0.50 per game also exceeds the league average of 0.27, demonstrating consistent ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. However, his overall tackle production at 2.94 per game, while above the NFL mean of 2.19, trails elite linebacker benchmarks significantly, and his pass defense mark of 0.24 per game sits squarely average in a league averaging 0.18. Cooper projects as a steady rotation linebacker with specialized value in rushing situations rather than a three-down starter or centerfield defender. The upward trend from 2024 to 2025 suggests he may have stabilized after two down years, though durability concerns at age 28 warrant monitoring. His sack rate remains his signature skill; expect Denver to continue leveraging him in sub-packages where his pass-rush prowess can maximize impact.

How Jonathon Compares at the Position

Jonathon Cooper ranks 96th of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Jonathon between Tuli Tuipulotu (B-) just ahead and Isaiah Mcduffie (B-) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Jonathon Cooper enters the 2026 offseason facing severe reputational damage stemming from multiple criminal allegations, including a felony assault charge and reported violation of a domestic violence protection order. While his on-field credentials as a five-year starter with 31.5 career sacks and a $15M annual contract would normally position him as a solid NFL contributor, the gravity and recency of these legal matters have fundamentally altered media and fan perception. Coverage has shifted entirely away from football performance to focus on his legal jeopardy and character concerns, with his continued participation in team activities appearing increasingly untenable. The Broncos organization faces mounting pressure regarding roster decisions, and Cooper's future with the franchise—and potentially in the league—now hinges on legal outcomes rather than athletic evaluation. Unless legal proceedings result in exoneration, Cooper's marketability and locker room standing have been substantially compromised, positioning him as a significant organizational liability heading into 2026.