The Denver Broncos have called off their proposed trade for Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley, the team announced late Wednesday. The deal had been contingent on Henley passing a physical.
Denver agreed to the trade shortly before Tuesday’s NFL deadline. The Broncos would have sent a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to the Chargers for Henley.
The Broncos did not specify why the trade fell apart. Denver had concerns about Henley’s knee following his physical that the Chargers did not share, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. The teams discussed revised terms, but the Chargers rebuffed Denver’s attempt and no agreement was reached.
Arthritis was found in Henley’s knee, Pro Football Talk reported, citing a source. Henley was limited by a listed knee injury before Week 6 and was designated questionable, but he played.
In announcing that the trade would not be finalized, the Broncos said on X: “We have great respect for Daiyan as a player and person, and we wish him all the best moving forward.” The Chargers posted on social media: “Welcome back, Daiyan.”
Henley has played in all eight Chargers games this season, recording 51 tackles, including 21 solo, along with two passes defensed, one interception, a forced fumble and a half-sack.
Denver had sought to improve its linebacker pass coverage with the move. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are the Broncos’ starting inside linebackers, with Karene Reid and Jordan Turner as their primary backups. Denver has an open spot on its 53-man roster after waiving defensive back Sean Fresch Jr. to make room for Henley.
