The Denver Broncos may still pursue Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley, despite a trade between the teams falling through after Denver raised concerns about his medical evaluations. The deal was reportedly discussed before the deadline, but the teams could not agree on revised terms.
Henley suggested that Denver’s interest may extend beyond the failed trade. The Chargers’ plans for the linebacker were already uncertain: he is in the final year of his rookie contract and has not agreed to an extension. Both teams reportedly believe they could have another opportunity to sign him in five months.
A third-round pick in 2023, Henley has recorded more than 300 career tackles and missed three games. He has shown potential as a coverage linebacker, blitzer and sideline-to-sideline tackler, but has yet to deliver a full elite season. He also dealt with a serious illness early in the 2025 season and had an uneven start to 2026 before improving in Week 3.
Denver’s doctors reportedly had concerns about Henley’s long-term durability after reviewing his medical information, with outside medical opinions supporting those concerns. The Broncos were still willing to send the Chargers a 2027 fourth-round pick, but sought to adjust or add conditions to the 2028 fifth-round pick included in the original proposal. The Chargers’ doctors, by contrast, reportedly viewed Henley as a player who had not missed an NFL game because of injury in four seasons.
The failed trade has also prompted debate about teams’ ability to renegotiate terms after the deadline. Some general managers have argued that the league and its competition committee should review the process, warning that teams could exploit the uncertainty. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh also described the situation as a loophole the league should examine.
Henley’s medical outlook could affect his value if he reaches free agency. If other teams share Denver’s concerns, he could receive a lower offer, which may also affect the potential compensatory pick Denver could receive if he leaves the Chargers.
