11/12/2026 07:37:00
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11/12 19:35 CST Broncos backed out of trade for Chargers' Henley over
surprising issue in physical, AP source says
Broncos backed out of trade for Chargers' Henley over surprising issue in
physical, AP source says
By ARNIE STAPLETON
AP Pro Football Writer
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) --- The Denver Broncos backed out of their proposed trade
with the Los Angeles Chargers for inside linebacker Daiyan Henley, a decision
that has stirred discussion over whether the NFL should consider changing its
rule on teams acquiring injured players.
A person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that the
Broncos were surprised by something that showed up in Henley's physical that
the Chargers hadn't mentioned, and --- after consulting with medical personnel
inside and outside their team headquarters --- informed the league and the
Chargers that they wanted to discuss changing compensation terms, which is
standard in such cases.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the Broncos haven't
discussed the cancellation of the trade, said the teams exchanged proposals to
amend terms of the deal but couldn't come to an agreement.
Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz, however, said Thursday that the Broncos
were fully aware Henley was dealing with an injury upon agreeing to send Los
Angeles a 2027 fourth-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder on Monday, a
day ahead of the trade deadline. Hortiz said the Broncos sought to change the
terms of deal afterward, and used Henley's failure to pass the physical as a
reason to back out.
"It's a really unfortunate thing," Hortiz said. "It gives you an opportunity to
make a trade at the deadline and then try to change the terms that you already
agreed upon and with no recourse."
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said the Broncos used a loophole in the rules that
"continues to set a bad precedent."
Hortiz has discussed the situation with the NFL and said he expects teams to
propose closing the loophole at league meetings in March.
The Chargers did not disclose Henley's injury, though he was listed as having a
knee issue as recently as Week 6. The fourth-year player has 51 tackles, two
fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and an interception in eight games this
season.
"We have great respect for Daiyan as a player and person, and we wish him all
the best moving forward," the Broncos said in a statement.
The Broncos (7-2) have a bye this week. The winless Chargers (0-8) play at
Baltimore on Monday night.
Henley, a third-round selection out of Washington State in 2023, became a
starter in his second season. In 41 games over the last three years, Henley has
301 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and 15
passes defensed.
The Chargers, in a cheeky social media post, recognized the trade cancellation
with a graphic that read, "Welcome back, Daiyan." The words above a picture of
Henley that read, "Thank you," were crossed out from their original message on
Tuesday.
Hortiz said he met with Henley and apologized for what the player went through.
"It's a challenging thing, but the reality of it is we love him," Hortiz said.
"That's why we wanted such a compensation package to consider moving him."
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AP Sports Writer John Wawrow contributed to this report.
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See AP's full NFL coverage here
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