Just before the NFL trade deadline, the Broncos acquired Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, multiple sources told The Denver Post.

The trade strengthens Denver’s defensive depth and adds a linebacker who should provide more pass coverage in the middle of the field. Drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, Henley has recorded 317 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions in 56 games.

NFL trade deadline: Broncos deal for Chargers LB Daiyan Henley

Here’s a look at how national media outlets graded it:

The Athletic (Grade: B+): “I am very curious to see Henley deployed in Joseph’s defense. Joseph likes to use his linebackers as blitzer; in 2025, Singleton and Strnad combined for 92 pass-rush snaps. In Los Angeles, Henley played in a system under Jesse Minter and Chris O’Leary that did not blitz at a very high rate relative to the rest of the league. Henley is an explosive athlete, and the Broncos could maximize the former third-round pick as a pass rusher.

“For the future, if the Broncos choose not to extend Henley, they could recoup some capital via the compensatory-pick formula for 2028, potentially offsetting the 2028 pick they gave up in this deal,” Daniel Popper writes. Read the full analysis.

Bleacher Report (Grade: B+): “Daiyan Henley is in the final year of his rookie deal, and he’s having a solid season so far, logging 51 tackles (two for loss), two pass breakups and an interception. The 26-year-old is an athletic inside linebacker who’s allowing a 79 passer rating, which is important given Denver’s needs.

“The Broncos’ 24th-ranked pass defense needed stronger pass coverage in the middle of the field, as it’s been susceptible to pass-catching tight ends. In Denver, Henley will likely start with his three-down skill set. He’s allowed just two touchdowns in coverage in 56 games (41 starts),” Moe Moton writes. Read the full analysis.

CBS Sports (Grade: TBA): “One AFC West team got stronger while the other slipped further into the abyss. The Broncos added Daiyan Henley to their linebacker group and now own high-end depth behind locked-in starters Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad. Henley, a former third-round pick, was an every-week starter for the Chargers and brings excellent coverage and run defense skills to the vaunted Denver unit as it gears up for a postseason push. The Broncos anticipate earning a compensation pick for John Franklin-Myers’ exit in free agency, which will help balance out the cost of this deal,” Carter Bahns writes. Read the full analysis.

ESPN (Grade: C+): “It’s an interesting deal because linebacker did not look like a particular need for Denver. Alex Singleton leads all linebackers in run stop win rate this season and Justin Strnad is a good coverage player. Henley’s numbers are OK this season. He ranks in the 46th percentile and has allowed 0.9 yards per coverage snap (average for the position) per NFL Next Gen Stats.

“I think it’s reasonable for Denver to be adding at the deadline, but this is not trivial draft capital to give up for a player who is going to provide depth or be part of a rotation,” Ben Solak and Seth Walder write. Read the full analysis.

The Sporting News (Grade: B): “Henley has had a down season against the pass, both in coverage and on the pass rush, but the Broncos needed to take a shot on linebacker help for Alex Singleton. Their division rivals obliged at the reasonable cost of a fourth-round pick,” Vinnie Iyer writes. Read the full analysis.

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