Could the Broncos release linebacker Jonathon Cooper amid legal troubles?

The Denver Broncos are going to have some decisions to make regarding linebacker Jonathon Cooper, and they could be some tough ones. 

Cooper, who has been a great late-round draft find for the team, was arrested twice last week for separate violations. The first involved a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, which included serious accusations, including strangulation. The second arrest came after he violated a restraining order. 

This led to an announcement that Cooper had been excused from the team's mandatory minicamp and leaves his status for the start of training camp next month in doubt. As the legal process plays out in this situation, the Broncos are going to have some tough questions to answer. But could the team end up releasing him?

That would likely come as a shock to some, but the Broncos are looking to build a model organization under the leadership of the Walton-Penner group, and this would be the first off-field incident in their tenure that could test that. 

Meanwhile, Cooper could end up missing valuable time to practice and get in game shape before the season begins. There would also be the possibility of a league-imposed suspension levied against him. 

The Broncos are likely considering these options, which brings the idea of a reunion with Von Miller closer to the forefront. Miller has not been shy about the fact that he would like to play for the Broncos again, an idea that many Broncos fans have cheered while others have scoffed at. 

Miller would be a one-dimensional specialist off the bench at this stage in his career, but the one thing he does he can still be quite effective with. He registered nine sacks for the Washington Commanders in that role last season. 

If the Broncos were to move on from Cooper, they would eat $5.7 million in dead money. That would certainly be one of the biggest factors in any potential decision. Jonah Elliss would likely have to move into a starting role, but that could be a seamless fit. 

The team could then increase the usage of Que Robinson and Dondrea Tillman while strongly considering bringing Miller back. Recently, a group of writers at NFL.com discussed players they would like to see return and which team they would like to see them return to. While names such as Tom Brady and Randy Moss were tossed around, lead draft writer Eric Edholm discussed wanting to see Miller in a Denver uniform again. 

"I know everyone (except offensive linemen) is pining for an Aaron Donald comeback, but what about Von Miller? He seems willing to give it another run and could be a fine pass-rush specialist for the Broncos, or any other team in need of a little third-down juice -- even at age 37. After all, he had nine sacks last season. With 3.5 more sacks he’d surpass Michael Strahan for No. 6 on the all-time list. I’d love to see him continue his climb up the board", wrote Edholm. 

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The Broncos will have a lot to sort through as the situation surrounding Cooper unfolds, but the team will have options if a drastic move has to be made. 

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