The Los Angeles Chargers traded linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, just before the NFL’s 1 p.m. PST trade deadline. In exchange, the Chargers received a 2027 fourth-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, according to a person with knowledge of the deal who was not authorized to speak publicly.
Henley, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, was a key defensive player for the Chargers, who entered the day with an 0-8 record, the NFL’s only winless team. He had started all eight games this season, recording 51 tackles, including a season-high 10 tackles in a loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday. He also intercepted a pass in that game.
The trade marks a rare intra-division move between two AFC West rivals, as the Broncos acquired Henley to bolster their defense. Denver currently has Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad as starting inside linebackers. The Broncos have historically made few trades at the deadline under head coach Sean Payton.
Chargers’ Rationale and Team Context
The Chargers had previously indicated they were not planning major moves at the deadline, including trading players such as defensive lineman Khalil Mack, injured safety Derwin James Jr., or receiver Ladd McConkey. However, the team became more receptive to trading players on expiring contracts if the right offer presented itself, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Henley, as a player in the final year of his rookie deal, fit that category.
Henley was selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft after a standout senior year at Washington State, where he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors. He quickly established himself as a defensive leader, becoming the Chargers’ leading tackler in 2024 with 147 total tackles, including 84 solo. In 2025, he recorded 103 total tackles (54 solo), along with five pass breakups, five tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions.
Henley’s Performance and Personal Background
Through eight games this season, Henley has accumulated 51 combined tackles (21 solo), two tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, two pass breakups, one interception, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and half a sack. He also served as the team’s primary defensive communicator, wearing the green dot on his helmet.
Henley’s season has included notable performances despite personal challenges. In a Monday Night Football game in 2025 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he played through illness, recording 10 tackles, a sack, an interception, two tackles for loss, and two passes defensed. Last season, he dealt with the loss of his older brother, Jabari Henley, 34, who was shot and killed outside a smoke shop in South Los Angeles on Halloween night. Daiyan Henley learned of the tragedy on Sunday morning, hours before the Chargers faced the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.
Broncos’ Strategic Move
The Broncos’ acquisition of Henley aligns with their goal of strengthening their roster for a potential playoff push. Denver’s defense has been a strength in recent seasons, and Henley’s experience and leadership could provide depth behind their starting linebackers. The trade also reflects the Broncos’ willingness to make calculated moves to improve their team, even in a divisional trade scenario.
The Chargers, meanwhile, continue to navigate a challenging season with a focus on rebuilding and future planning. The draft picks received in this trade may factor into their long-term strategy as they address their winless start.