Chargers coach says Broncos linked Daiyan Henley's physical to trade compensation

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said the trade for linebacker Daiyan Henley fell apart after the NFL trade deadline because the Denver Broncos tied the player's physical exam to the draft compensation the Chargers would receive. Under the original agreement, the Chargers would have obtained a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick in exchange for Henley.

Harbaugh told the "Guilty As Charged" podcast that, according to general manager Joe Hortiz, the Broncos used a "pass-fail" medical grade that depended on whether the Chargers would accept less compensation. He added that the league should examine the practice, describing it as a loophole that "sets a bad precedent."

"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. In my opinion, it's one of those loopholes that the league should really look into because it sets a bad precedent, continues to set a bad precedent."

The trade was pending a physical, and the Broncos later cited a failed medical evaluation as the reason for canceling the deal. Henley, who was on the Chargers' Week 9 injury report for a shoulder issue, had played most defensive snaps the previous Sunday. The Broncos reportedly sought to renegotiate the terms after consulting the NFL, but the physical failure, reportedly due to a knee concern, led them to abandon the transaction.

Harbaugh said such post-deadline renegotiations should not be permissible, noting that the Broncos had indicated they would not pass Henley if the original fourth- and fifth-round picks were retained, but would pass him for a different draft arrangement.