Broncos trade for Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley falls through

The Denver Broncos announced Wednesday that the trade for Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley will not be finalized. Both clubs had said the transaction was pending a physical, and if the Broncos designate Henley as a failed physical, the NFL’s transaction wire will reflect that status on Thursday.

"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 posted on social media.

Henley, who was dealing with a shoulder issue earlier in the week, practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday before returning to full participation later in the week. The Chargers removed him from the injury report before Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, and he started and played 61 of 70 possible snaps.

The proposed trade would have sent a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to Los Angeles. With the deal collapsed, Denver retains those picks and will continue the season with its current roster, which has helped the team maintain a 7-2 record and the AFC West lead.

The Broncos will rely on veterans Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad to anchor the middle of Vance Joseph’s defense, supported by former undrafted players Karene Reid and Jordan Turner. Safety Talanoa Hufanga, who missed the past four games with an ankle injury, is expected to return for the upcoming matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 22, while fellow safety Brandon Jones, who missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury, could also be back soon.

Henley, a third-year starter and team captain, exited the Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams with a shoulder injury but returned later in the contest. The Chargers had attempted to re-sign him during his final year of a rookie contract, but the parties could not reach an agreement.

Veteran teammates Denzel Perryman and Tony Jefferson expressed displeasure after the trade news broke. The failed deal was the only deadline transaction the Chargers completed during the trade window.