Daiyan Henley will not join the Denver Broncos after a failed physical on Wednesday night nullified a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Denver had agreed to send a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to their division rivals for the linebacker. A knee issue halted the transaction.
Denver Broncos On SI reported that Denver attempted to renegotiate terms with the Chargers following the physical. Both sides failed to reach an agreement.
Henley Provides Elite Coverage and Sideline-To-Sideline Range
Henley would have filled an immediate need for the Denver defense, serving as the best coverage linebacker the team has had in at least the last five seasons. He stands out as a coverage linebacker who can match tight ends and running backs in passing situations.
His 77th-percentile arm length reaches 33 inches. That reach helps him shed blockers and make tackles near the line of scrimmage.
Lateral agility and sideline-to-sideline range define his tape. He chased down explosive player Jaylen Waddle on a reverse and flattened Nate Adkins before making a tackle.
Coverage capabilities extend to mirroring running backs on wheel routes and maintaining proper zone depth against vertical threats like Trey McBride.
Lance Sanderson said, “There’s a lot to like about Henley’s game, and he would have been a fantastic addition to an already loaded Broncos defense.”
Lance Sanderson said, “Speaking of speed and athleticism, Henley is fast enough to cover any running back out of the backfield or tight end over the middle of the field.”
Henley has 77th% arm length at 33". This is great use of that length in the run game. His size as a tackler could be an issue, though pic.twitter.com/PtTdt0CO8x
Physical Size Limits His Effectiveness Against the Run
At 6-foot-0 and 225 pounds, Henley remains undersized for the position. That lack of mass creates problems against the run.
Blockers frequently push him around at the point of attack. Left guard Ben Powers drove him downfield during the Denver matchup.
When Henley uses his length to shed blocks, its really fun to watch. Good upper body strength on this rep, too. pic.twitter.com/RBVIreP6U8
Blitzing packages rarely featured him effectively. Asking him to rush the passer from the edge produced poor results.
Future Free Agency Outlook
Henley plays in the final year of his rookie contract. The Chargers face a decision regarding his future beyond this season.
Henley's range and athleticism is awesome on this rep. That's Jaylen Waddle who he chases down. Not to mention blowing up Nate Adkins before he makes the tackle. pic.twitter.com/FhV3dRZfGW
Denver already features quality contributors in Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad. Those current options reduce the immediate weekly pressure on the position.
If the Chargers do not re-sign him, Denver Broncos On SI said that the Broncos could circle back in 2027 free agency.
This is a fantastic coverage rep for Henley. Harvey runs the wheel, and Henley is step for step going up the sideline. pic.twitter.com/k0BxkZK3ek
More on Denver Broncos
Solid zone coverage rep against Trey McBride. Stays under the route and in phase before passing off and getting depth on the boundary. pic.twitter.com/2N8WRVZQp8
Listed at 225, Henley's size can be an issue if blockers get attached. This isn't as bad as it looks, but you can see him getting pushed around. pic.twitter.com/WWcfRhtpLP
This is a Ben Powers tweet. Henley gets bullied. pic.twitter.com/IYT8AmvWr7
This is the best blitz rep I've seen from Henley so far, and im through 3 and a half games. it's not a strong suit of his game. pic.twitter.com/oW4LFotvvf
