One sign of good ownership is a lack of drama surrounding the franchise. Ever since they took over the team prior to the 2022 regular season from the Joe Ellis-led “trust” that had created a mess and bogged down the franchise, the Walton-Penner Group has done and handled everything right for the Denver Broncos.
Contracts have gotten done for players and coaches, off-the-field stuff has not interfered, and there haven’t been any diva situations lingering in the locker room. It’s been so by-the-book that those covering the team sometimes refer to the situation surrounding the team as being a little bit… boring.
Nothing good lasts forever. Despite their ongoing efforts to keep the Broncos’ bus squarely between the white lines, the still kind-of-new owners are no longer living drama-free, thanks to some poor behavior and even worse decision making from starting outside linebacker and pass rush specialist Jonathon Cooper. His two domestic violence arrests within a week of each other are the kind of thing professional sports teams are no longer trying to manage internally. With law enforcement heavily involved, it wouldn’t be a shock if once the legal process plays out, Cooper is let go. The saga could not only end his Broncos career – costing him this coming year’s salary of $12 million – but also cause the Broncos to take a sizable salary cap hit. Nonetheless, cutting their losses seems to be the most likely course of action for the Penners. Either way, they’ll have critics and detractors.
Other than this month’s drama with Cooper, the only other time a Broncos’ player has been involved in anything of consequence off the field during this ownership’s still brief tenure was the bizarre situation surrounding receiver Josh Reynolds, who was the victim of a shooting – purportedly due to mistaken identity – back during the 2024 season. Reynolds was already on the injured list at the time, and suffered only minor injuries in the early-morning encounter. Still, he never suited up for the Broncos again.
That does not bode well for Cooper, who signed a four-year, $60 mil deal in 2024.
There’s another potential bit of drama on the horizon, however. This one would involve the game on the field, and could also become a serious disruption. Wide receiver and Pro Bowl punt returner Marvin Mims recently changed agents. He’s the player that’s the most likely to be impacted, at least in terms of potential passing targets and receptions, by the free agent acquisition of Jaylen Waddle, formerly of the Miami Dolphins. The two have similar builds and playing styles, which leads to this question: why would the Broncos want to pay both of them? Mims is entering the final year of his $5.8 million rookie contract, and has already made a bit of noise about wanting a new deal. Thus far, there’s been nothing from the Broncos’ front office on any sort of extension. Playing ‘wait and see’ with a Pro Bowler is dangerous business.
If everything stays the same, meaning no new contract is offered to Mims and everyone remains healthy heading into training camp, Mims may decide to seek a trade. If the Broncos do not accommodate that request, a very public holdout could potentially take place.
More drama.
It’s not ownership’s fault or failing when things like Cooper’s legal issues and Mims’ potential contract matters crop up. However, how they handle these things will be looked at as another measuring stick. The Penners have been outstanding owners to this point. They’ve created a far better culture at Dove Valley. They’ve rebuilt and modernized facilities at both Empower Field and the training site. Players are happy. Coaches are happy. The team is a Super Bowl contender again this season.
Now would be a great time to not let any sort of drama start to undo all the good.
Strike 1: ‘No-drama Broncos’ are no more Mile High Sports.
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