What happened: Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper is facing additional legal charges, including a felony count of second-degree assault. Cooper was a defensive cornerstone in 2025, starting all 17 games and recording 8.0 sacks and 51 pressures for a unit that led the team to the playoffs.

Why it matters: Cooper provided the down-to-down consistency that allowed the rest of the Denver defense to function. While others may have higher sack totals, Cooper's ability to set the edge and generate constant pressure was the glue of the scheme. Losing his veteran presence leaves a void that the current depth chart is not equipped to handle. Is Denver still a contender without him?