The Denver Broncos appeared to add a key defensive piece ahead of the trade deadline, landing linebacker Daiyan Henley from AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers. However, the deal will no longer be finalized.
Both the Broncos and Chargers announced that Henley will not be going from Los Angeles to Denver, with the linebacker instead returning to the Chargers for the remainder of the season. Henley is a free agent after the season, so Los Angeles will only have him for the final nine games under contract.
The Chargers’ social media welcomed Henley back with a creative post that went viral instead of releasing a statement.
https://t.co/QzaZ40ZFF7
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 12, 2026
As a result of this failed deal, the Chargers didn’t trade off any of their players before the deadline, while the Broncos didn’t acquire anyone either. Both sides, instead, officially stood pat.
Here’s why Daiyan Henley is staying with the Chargers.
TRADE DEADLINE: Grading the deals | Winners and losers
Broncos trade for Daiyan Henley called off
Late Wednesday night, the Broncos announced that they were not going through with their trade for linebacker Daiyan Henley.
“The proposed trade involving Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley will not be finalized,” the Broncos announced. “We have great respect for Daiyan as a player and person, and we wish him all the best moving forward.”
According to Ian Rapoport, the Henley trade was called off after the linebacker failed his physical in Denver. Henley has been dealing with a knee injury, but Rapoport didn’t confirm that his knee is the reason why he failed his physical.
From @GMFB: The Daiyan Henley trade to the #Broncos is off because of what will be termed as a failed physical; Plus the #Giants get healthy for tonight’s game. https://t.co/hNBFK2ZV2V
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 12, 2026
Besides the knee injury, Henley also underwent surgery after the 2024 season to repair a torn labrum that he suffered during the year. Henley has not only played in all eight games for the Chargers this year, he has also played in 56 of a possible 59 games since entering the NFL in 2023.
The original deal saw the Broncos sending the Chargers a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick for Henley, so Denver will get both of those selections back. It was a hefty price to pay for a rental linebacker, but the Broncos have a chance to make a Super Bowl run this Winter.
MORE:
