Broncos' Jonathon Cooper Predicted as 'Dream' Trade Target for NFC South Team

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could make a play for the Broncos' pass-rushing specialist.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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According to Bleacher Report's Moe Moton, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should pursue a trade for Denver Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper. Cooper has recorded at least 8 sacks in each of the last three seasons and could provide a boost to the Buccaneers' pass defense, which ranked 27th in the NFL last year. While the Broncos have no plans to trade Cooper, Moton believes the team may consider moving him if they can get the right offer, potentially a Day 2 draft pick.

Why it matters

The Broncos have one of the league's most fearsome defensive units, led by Cooper and fellow edge rusher Nik Bonitto. Losing Cooper could weaken their pass rush, but the team may be willing to part with him if they can get good value in return, especially with younger players like Jonah Elliss waiting in the wings.

The details

Cooper has been a key part of the Broncos' defense, playing 61% of defensive snaps last season after playing 71% in 2024. While the Broncos like Elliss, who has shown promise in a rotational role, it may be a stretch to thrust him into a starting job next season. However, if the Buccaneers were to offer a Day 2 draft pick for Cooper, the Broncos may have to consider it, even though they have no plans to trade him currently.

  • Cooper has registered at least 8 sacks and 22 pressures in three consecutive seasons.

The players

Jonathon Cooper

A pass-rushing specialist for the Denver Broncos who has been a key part of their fearsome defense in recent seasons.

Nik Bonitto

An edge rusher for the Denver Broncos who, along with Cooper, leads the team's pass-rushing attack.

Zach Allen

A defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos who is part of the team's strong defensive unit.

Jonah Elliss

A young edge rusher for the Denver Broncos who has shown promise in a rotational role but may not be ready for a full-time starting job yet.

Haason Reddick

A free agent edge rusher that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could target to bolster their pass rush.

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What they’re saying

“The Denver Broncos have a strong group of outside linebackers. They signed Nik Bonitto to a four-year, $106 million extension last September. Jonathon Cooper worked his way up the depth chart, from a 2021 seventh-rounder to a highly productive pass-rusher. Jonah Elliss has shown flashes in his two seasons as a pro.”

— Moe Moton, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

“If the Broncos see something special in Elliss, a third-rounder from the 2024 draft, they may consider moving Cooper to acquire draft capital or a veteran at a position of need, which would also clear the way for the young rotational edge-rusher to start opposite Bonitto.”

— Moe Moton, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

“Cooper has registered at least eight sacks and 22 pressures in three consecutive seasons. He could provide a boost to Tampa Bay's 27th-ranked pass defense”

— Moe Moton, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

If the Buccaneers were to offer a Day 2 draft pick for Cooper, the Broncos would have to seriously consider the trade offer, even though they currently have no plans to move the pass-rushing specialist.

The takeaway

While the Broncos have no immediate plans to trade Jonathon Cooper, the team may be willing to listen to offers, especially if they can get good value in return. Cooper's consistent production as a pass rusher could make him an attractive target for teams like the Buccaneers looking to bolster their defensive front.