Three NFL players have been added to the Commissioner’s Exempt List as the 2026 season nears its start. Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper, and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Terrion Arnold are the players affected. Their placement on the exempt list will impact the beginning of their seasons.
The Commissioner’s Exempt List Explained
The NFL Commissioner’s Exempt List represents a special player status used by clubs under unusual circumstances. According to the league rulebook, the list includes players declared by the Commissioner to be temporarily exempt from the Active List limit. Only the Commissioner has the authority to place or remove a player from the list, and no club has the power to do so. Players may remain on the exempt list until the Commissioner decides the exemption should be lifted.
Allegations Against the Players
Josh Jacobs faces charges of battery and criminal damage to property from a domestic incident near his Green Bay home. If convicted of these misdemeanors, Jacobs could face fines up to $20,000 or up to 18 months in prison.
Jonathon Cooper was arrested in June for allegedly violating a protection order related to a previous domestic violence case. Terrion Arnold was arrested on charges of kidnapping and armed robbery in June. Released by the Detroit Lions following his arrest, he later joined the Seahawks camp but remains inactive for now.
Potential Discipline for Other Players
Other NFL players could face discipline due to their legal issues. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice served a 30-day jail sentence in spring after violating probation from a 2025 plea agreement. Los Angeles Rams’ Puka Nacua, accused of biting a woman in March, entered rehab soon after. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman faces domestic violence charges from an incident in June.
The NFL may soon announce disciplinary actions that could affect the 2026 season for Nacua, Bateman, and Rice.
This report includes contributions from OutKick’s Armando Salguero and Fox News Digital’s Ryan Gaydos.