Three Veteran Edge Rushers the Broncos Should Monitor Amid Jonathan Cooper’s Uncertain Situation
The Denver Broncos have spent the last several seasons building one of the NFL’s deepest and most complete rosters. However, recent developments surrounding outside linebacker Jonathan Cooper have created uncertainty at one of the team’s most important positions.
Cooper was arrested twice within the span of a week this offseason, and Denver later excused him from mandatory minicamp as the legal process continues to unfold. While no discipline has been announced, the possibility of a suspension under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy has become increasingly difficult to ignore.
The Broncos don't need to replace Cooper today. However, good organizations prepare for potential problems before they become emergencies. If Cooper were forced to miss significant time in 2026, Denver would suddenly need to replace one of its top defensive playmakers. Fortunately, several accomplished veteran edge rushers remain available and could help the Broncos weather the storm should they need reinforcements.
3. Joey Bosa
At his peak, Joey Bosa was one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players. Injuries have prevented him from consistently reaching those heights in recent years, but flashes of that player still remain.
Bosa reminded everyone of his game-changing ability during the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills. While his sack numbers were nothing special, he still recorded 16 quarterback hits and led the NFL with five forced fumbles, proving he remains capable of creating disruption when healthy.
From a pure talent perspective, Bosa may be the most intriguing player on this list. Denver’s defense is already loaded with talent, and adding a healthy Bosa to the mix would give offensive coordinators another major problem to solve. Even with the injury concerns, Bosa’s game has never relied exclusively on athleticism. His combination of power, technique, and instincts has helped him remain an effective pass rusher whenever he’s been healthy.
The biggest obstacle may be financial rather than football-related. At 30 years old, Bosa is likely viewing his next contract as one final opportunity to secure a significant payday and is not interested in giving his services at a discounted rate. The Broncos would undoubtedly have interest at the right price, but Bosa’s market value may ultimately exceed what Denver is willing to spend on a contingency plan.
2. Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney has spent more than a decade proving that his value extends far beyond the sack column. However, his 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys showed that he remains a productive pass rusher as well.
Clowney finished the 2025 campaign with 8.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 12 tackles for loss. Those numbers are impressive on their own, but they become even more noteworthy when compared to Cooper’s production from last season. In fact, Clowney recorded more sacks in 2025 than Cooper did.
What makes Clowney particularly attractive for the Broncos is the completeness of his game. He remains one of the league’s better run-defending edge players and consistently sets a physical edge against opposing rushing attacks. Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph would have a field day implementing Clowney’s versatile skillset in his schemes.
Unlike some veteran pass rushers who are limited to obvious passing situations, Clowney can contribute on all three downs. He arguably offers the safest combination of production, versatility, and reliability among the edge rushers still available in free agency.
1. Von Miller
Few players in NFL history have meant more to the Broncos than Von Miller. The franchise icon remains available entering the 2026 season after spending the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, and a reunion has become a popular topic among Denver fans.
Unlike some veteran free agents whose best football is clearly behind them, Miller showed in 2025 that he still has something left in the tank. The future Hall of Famer recorded nine sacks and 15 quarterback hits with Washington, proving he remains capable of affecting games as a pass rusher.
From a football standpoint, the fit makes plenty of sense. Miller could step into the starting lineup if Cooper were forced to miss time, but the Broncos would likely be even better served using him as part of a deep edge rotation. Pairing Miller with star outside linebacker Nik Bonitto would help the Broncos maintain one of the league’s deepest edge rotations even if Cooper were to miss time.
The cultural fit is equally appealing. Miller remains one of the most respected figures in franchise history, and Bonitto has already publicly endorsed the possibility of bringing him back to Denver. He may no longer be the dominant force who earned Super Bowl 50 MVP honors, but his production with the Commanders demonstrated that he can still get after the quarterback at a high level.
Final Thoughts
The Broncos are not yet at the point where they need to make a move. Jonathan Cooper remains on the roster, no suspension has been announced, and the organization will likely allow both the legal process and any potential NFL review to play out before making a major decision.
Still, Denver cannot afford to be caught off guard. If Cooper is unavailable for part of the 2026 season, the Broncos will need additional help off the edge to preserve their championship aspirations.
Whether it is the high-upside gamble that Joey Bosa represents, the well-rounded reliability of Jadeveon Clowney, or a reunion with Von Miller, Denver would have several intriguing options available. For now, the Broncos can afford to wait. But they would be wise to keep a close eye on the veteran market as Cooper’s situation continues to unfold.
