ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos have agreed to a long-term deal with one of their top edge rushers.

Denver signed outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper to a four-year extension through 2028, the team announced Monday.

Cooper, who was set to become a free agent following the season, ranks second on the Broncos in sacks and is on pace for the first double-digit sack season of his career.

A 2021 seventh-round pick, Cooper has carved out a role as a key starter on Denver's defense. The Ohio State product took over a starting role midway through the 2022 season and has since been a mainstay for the Broncos' defensive front.

Since the start of 2023, Cooper is one of six defenders to record at least 100 tackles and 14 sacks, joining Maxx Crosby, Danielle Hunter, T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack and Harold Landry III.

Cooper has started 35 of the Broncos' last 36 games and recorded 193 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 38 quarterback hits, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, an interception and a defensive touchdown to begin his career.

With another 1.5 sacks this year, Cooper would become the first seventh-round pick since 2010 to record at least 20 sacks in his first four years.

Cooper is the third member of the Broncos' 2021 draft class to receive an extension, joining cornerback Pat Surtain II and guard Quinn Meinerz.

The Broncos selected Cooper with the 239th-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.