Harbaugh says Broncos tried to alter Henley trade after medical evaluation
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh claimed the Denver Broncos attempted to renegotiate the terms of linebacker Daiyan Henley's trade based on a medical assessment, calling the practice a loophole that should be reviewed by the league.
The Chargers' trade for linebacker Daiyan Henley fell apart after the Denver Broncos reportedly sought to change the compensation after conducting their own medical evaluation. The original agreement called for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, but the Broncos allegedly asked the Chargers to lower the 2028 pick.
"The Broncos based a pass-fail on a medical grade, based on whether we would take less compensation, and we wouldn’t, and we didn’t," Harbaugh said at a Thursday news conference. He added that the situation creates a "loophole" the league should examine.
A league source confirmed the Broncos consulted NFL officials and received permission to revisit the trade terms, noting that the Broncos' medical findings differed from the information the Chargers had provided before the deal was reached.
Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said he had informed Denver of any health concerns affecting Henley and that the player was expected to be ready for the upcoming game. He declined to comment on the specific medical issues that prompted Denver's request for a revised deal.
Henley, who missed a few snaps earlier in the season due to shoulder and knee issues, returned to the Chargers' facility on Thursday. Harbaugh said the team expects him to be healthy and available for their next matchup.
The incident highlights a perceived weakness in the NFL's trade process, where a team can rescind a trade after a physical without the other party having alternative options once the trade deadline passes. Hortiz suggested that league officials might consider proposals to close the identified loophole.