Broncos Acquire LB Daiyan Henley In Trade With Chargers

Everybody was wondering if the 0-8 Los Angeles Chargers were going to sell some players. Well, there was an answer just an hour before the deadline. The Chargers sent linebacker Davian Henley to the Denver Broncos for two future draft picks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

The Broncos sent a 2027 fourth-round pick and 2028 fifth-round pick to the Chargers for Henley, who is in the final year of his current deal and will hit free agency in the offseason. 

Henley wore the Captain patch for the Chargers, and he has been an instrumental part of their defense since being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Henley played college football at Washington State, and he appeared in 15 games as a rookie, although he recorded just 7 tackles. 

In 2024, he played in all 17 games, recording 82 solo tackles with a sack and an interception. 

Denver's defense has been a strong point this season, although they did lose two players to injury in the recent game. 

As for the Chargers, trading with a division rival isn't ideal. Then again, the Chargers' playoff hopes are almost 0, and nobody knows when - or if - they will even win a game this season. 

The Chargers were reportedly hesitant to sell players at the deadline despite being winless, but that sentiment changed a bit after another frustrating loss, this one coming to the Houston Texans. 

The Broncos needed another linebacker, and Henley is a big boost. He was the Chargers leading tackler since 2024. 

Zac Stevens of DNVR reported that Henley will be a depth piece behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad. 

The Chargers now add two draft picks to their arsenal for an expiring deal, and the chances of them signing Henley to a long-term deal seemed to be declining, especially with plenty of big decisions to make in LA this offseason. 

Henley was also a vocal leader in the LA locker room, so he adds a lot of elements to a Denver team hoping to make a Super Bowl run this season. 

Henley is now headed to Denver and staying in the AFC West, and if he plays well, the Broncos could decide to sign him to a long-term contract this offseason. 

The Broncos and Chargers play each other on the final game of the season, so that would mark Henley's first game against the team that drafted him.