Even though the Denver Broncos suffered a tough loss to Baltimore, they made a positive move over the weekend. The team announced on Monday that they signed outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper to a four-year contract extension while they were in Maryland.
A source familiar with the deal, speaking anonymously, shared with The Associated Press that the extension is worth up to $60 million and includes $33 million in guaranteed money.
This news came on the same day that the Broncos traded outside linebacker Baron Browning to the Arizona Cardinals for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft.
Cooper has 5 1/2 sacks this season and led the team last year with 8 1/2 sacks. He is in the final year of the four-year, $3.58 million contract he signed as a rookie in 2021 after being selected in the seventh round out of Ohio State.
Browning, his former college teammate, was also drafted that year, in the third round.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph recently praised Cooper’s performance, highlighting his energy, toughness, and focus, saying that his teammates are forced to “match his intensity.”
Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen also spoke highly of Cooper, saying, “We value him so highly for what he does both in the pass and the run game. He is truly the ultimate team player, willing to do whatever helps. … It’s awesome to see guys like that get rewarded. I think it sends a really good message around the locker room.”
