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The Denver Broncos will not acquire Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley after concerns emerged during his physical, bringing an unexpected end to a trade agreed upon before the NFL deadline.
Denver announced Wednesday night that the deal “will not be finalized” after medical personnel examined Henley. Although neither team officially disclosed the reason, ESPN reported that the Broncos identified an issue with one of the linebacker’s knees during his physical.
The teams initially agreed to exchange a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection for Henley. However, Denver reportedly approached Los Angeles about restructuring the deal with different draft compensation after the medical examination.
The Broncos proposed giving the Chargers either a fourth-round pick and a seventh-round selection or a fourth-rounder with another pick swap, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The teams ultimately failed to reach an agreement, and the transaction was canceled.
Denver said it had great respect for Henley as both a player and a person and wished him well. The Chargers also welcomed the linebacker back on social media shortly after the Broncos announced the failed trade.
Henley Returns to Chargers After Failed Trade
Henley will remain in Los Angeles after spending three seasons with the Chargers. The 2023 third-round pick has established himself as a key defensive contributor, recording 317 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions in 56 career games.
The 26-year-old has started 41 of those appearances and has been particularly productive over the past two seasons. He led the Chargers in tackles in both 2024 and 2025, recording 147 and 103 stops, respectively.
Henley also leads the team with 51 tackles through eight games this season. He has added an interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
The linebacker previously played through a torn labrum in 2024 before undergoing surgery in 2025. He also appeared on the Chargers’ injury report with knee and shoulder issues this season, although neither problem caused him to miss a game.
Henley is playing on his rookie contract and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. The failed trade means he will finish the season with Los Angeles rather than joining a division rival.
Broncos Must Continue With Current Linebacker Group
Denver pursued Henley to strengthen its inside linebacker depth as it prepares for a postseason push. The Broncos entered the week at 7-2 and atop the AFC West after winning five consecutive games.
Their interest came amid concerns about the workload on Alex Singleton, who has played 617 defensive snaps through the first nine weeks. Denver has also played more defensive snaps than any other team, placing additional demands on its linebackers.
Singleton and Justin Strnad have started at inside linebacker throughout the season. Henley would have provided another experienced option behind the pair and potentially challenged for a starting role.
The Broncos will now continue with their existing linebacker group unless they find another way to address the position.
For Los Angeles, keeping Henley means retaining one of its leading defensive players, although the Chargers lose the opportunity to collect future draft picks for a player approaching free agency.
The failed transaction also leaves both teams with an added storyline ahead of their regular-season meeting in Denver on November 22.
