Chargers Trade Linebacker Daiyan Henley to Denver Broncos

Chargers Trade Linebacker Daiyan Henley to Denver Broncos

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The Los Angeles Chargers have traded linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Denver Broncos in exchange for two draft picks.

The deal sends the 26-year-old Henley to a 7-2 Broncos team. In exchange, the 0-8 Chargers will receive a fourth-round draft pick in 2027 and a fifth-round selection in 2028.

A defensive pillar moves to Denver

Henley has been a cornerstone of the Chargers’ defensive unit. While rumors circulated in the days leading up to the deadline that high-profile names like quarterback Justin Herbert or wide receiver Ladd McConkey might be on the move, the front office opted for a different path.

Season Total Tackles
2024 142
2026 (to date) 51

Henley has started 41 of his 56 career games. Beyond his tackling, he recorded 305 total tackles, five sacks, and 14 tackles for loss during his tenure with the Bolts. He also contributed four interceptions and 15 pass breakups.

IN-DIVISION TRADE: Broncos Trade For LB Daiyan Henley from Chargers

The shift from contenders to sellers

For much of the early season, it appeared the Chargers were attempting to fight through a difficult stretch. However, the 0-8 start made a roster overhaul increasingly likely.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the team’s direction earlier this week, noting that conversations with Hortiz have centered on whether to improve the team for the present or the future. “We’ve been talking about making the team better now or in the future or both,” Harbaugh said Monday.

The timing of the trade follows a difficult defensive performance against the Houston Texans. Despite Henley recording 10 tackles and an interception in that contest, the Chargers surrendered 44 points, a season high.

Henley’s path to the AFC West

Originally a wide receiver at Nevada in 2017, he transitioned to defensive back in 2019 before eventually settling at linebacker. After transferring to Washington State in 2022, he was selected 85th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Chargers Trade Linebacker Daiyan Henley to Denver Broncos
Photo: chargers.com

While his rookie season was hampered by injuries, he became a standout player following the hiring of Harbaugh in January 2024. During that breakout year, he led the NFL with nine games of 10-plus tackles.

Henley is in the final year of his rookie contract and carries a modest cap hit of $1.84 million for the remainder of the season. Because he is eligible for free agency in March, the Chargers retain the theoretical ability to re‑sign him if the Broncos do not offer an extension.

The two teams are scheduled to meet in Denver for Week 18, the final game of the regular season. The Broncos won their previous meeting at SoFi Stadium on October 11 with a score of 23‑17.

Whether these two draft picks are sufficient compensation for a player of Henley’s caliber remains a question for the Chargers’ front office.

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