Henley Trade to Broncos Falls Through After Physical

The Los Angeles Chargers’ proposed trade of linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Denver Broncos collapsed after Henley’s physical, prompting Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh to call for the NFL to examine how teams can renegotiate draft compensation after the trade deadline.

The teams had agreed that Denver would send the Chargers a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick for Henley. The deal, reached before the deadline on Tuesday, November 11, 2026, was contingent on a physical. Denver’s evaluation differed from the Chargers’ earlier assessment, and the trade did not proceed.

Harbaugh said Denver would pass Henley only if the Chargers accepted less compensation than the original package. “The Broncos based a passfail on a medical grade, based on whether we would take less compensation, and we wouldnt, and we didnt,” he told reporters Thursday. He said the NFL should look into the process, which he described as a loophole that could set a bad precedent.

A report cited in coverage said Denver consulted the NFL on Wednesday and was allowed to revisit the terms after the deadline. Another account said Denver identified a knee issue during Henley’s physical and proposed lower...