Denver Broncos Nix Daiyan Henley Trade After Failed Physical

The Denver Broncos called off a proposed trade for Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley after discovering a knee issue during his physical.

The deal, which was announced prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline, was initially contingent on a physical examination. When the Broncos evaluated Henley at their facility, their medical staff flagged a concern in one of his knees.

Following the physical, Denver approached Los Angeles to discuss a revised trade package featuring altered draft compensation. The initial agreement would have sent a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to the Chargers. Because the NFL trade deadline had already passed at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the teams were unable to successfully negotiate a new arrangement, and the original deal was nixed.

Henley, the No. 85 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had been a productive part of the Chargers’ defense. A Washington State product who also played at Nevada from 2017 to 2021, Henley began his college career as a wide receiver before transitioning to defensive back and eventually settling at linebacker in 2020. Throughout his professional career, he has been a durable presence, starting 41 of 42 games over the past three seasons.

The cancellation leaves the AFC West-leading Broncos at 7-2 without any additions from the trade deadline. Head coach Sean Payton’s squad, currently on their bye week, will continue to rely on veterans Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad to operate the middle of Vance Joseph’s defense.

Behind them, the team will continue to utilize Karene Reid and Jordan Turner, both former undrafted free agents. The Broncos are set to return to action when they host the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 22.

In Los Angeles, Henley returns to an 0-8 squad. The Chargers, who were initially reluctant to part with Henley as they viewed him as a long-term piece, saw multiple offers for the linebacker emerge before the deadline.

Following the failed trade, the Chargers updated their social media channels with a “Welcome Back” message. Henley himself addressed the situation on social media with a GIF depicting a man with a confused expression.

The proposed trade involving Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley will not be finalized. We have a great respect for Daiyan as a player and person, and we wish him all the best moving forward.

Denver Broncos, via social media statement

He has recorded 51 tackles through eight games this season, continuing a trend from previous years where he led the team in tackles in each of the two prior seasons. The Chargers’ linebacker room now moves forward with Del’Shawn Phillips, Troy Dye, and Marlowe Wax, while veteran Denzel Perryman has had his 21-day practice window opened as he returns from injury.

This failed transaction occurred during a deadline week marked by other complications, including a deal between the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles for Arnold Ebiketie that also fell apart. For the Broncos, the inability to finalize the Henley trade means they will maintain their current linebacker rotation for the remainder of the 2026 campaign.

More on this story: Denver Broncos Trade Deadline: Will They Trade For a Running Back?

More on Denver Broncos: Saints Cutting Kendre Miller Offers Denver Broncos a Roster Addition