The Denver Broncos' failed trade with the Los Angeles Chargers involving linebacker Daiyan Henley has sparked calls for the NFL to reconsider a rule that allows teams to renegotiate trades after the deadline.
Following Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, several general managers reportedly expressed concerns about a potential loophole that could allow organizations to manipulate trade agreements after the deadline passes.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero shared Saturday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Denver acted within its rights when it canceled the agreement with Los Angeles following concerns about Henley's medical evaluation.
“The Broncos acted in good faith and within their rights to cancel the Daiyan Henley trade,” Pelissero wrote. “But some GMs want the NFL to reexamine the ‘loophole' allowing teams to renegotiate after the deadline, arguing someone could abuse the system.”
The Broncos initially agreed to acquire Henley from the Chargers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection. However, the deal fell apart after Denver raised concerns about the linebacker's knee during his physical.
Both organizations subsequently attempted to renegotiate the compensation but failed to reach another agreement, resulting in the trade being voided.
Pelissero also noted that Denver was not the only organization to encounter complications involving medical evaluations and trade compensation.
“The Broncos aren't the first team to attempt to renegotiate a trade based on medical concerns: The Lions did it the day before and agreed with the Jets to modify their trade for safety Andre Cisco,” Pelissero wrote.
Broncos' failed Daiyan Henley trade raises questions about NFL deadline rules
Detroit and New York successfully revised their agreement, allowing the Lions to complete their acquisition of Cisco despite the initial complications.
Under the league's current procedures, organizations can adjust draft-pick compensation following the deadline when medical concerns arise. However, teams cannot add or exchange players once the deadline has passed.
The situation has prompted concerns among some general managers that teams could potentially exploit the rule to negotiate more favorable terms after the deadline.
Although Denver reportedly acted in good faith, the controversy could lead the NFL's competition committee to consider changes to its trade procedures.
Meanwhile, the Broncos (7-2) enter their Week 10 bye riding an impressive five-game winning streak as they continue competing near the top of the AFC standings.
Denver will return to action in Week 11 when it hosts the Las Vegas Raiders (4-5) next Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS, looking to extend its winning streak to six games.
Henley, meanwhile, remains with the winless Chargers (0-8), who continue searching for their first victory of the 2026 season.
Los Angeles will look to end its struggles when it visits the Baltimore Ravens (4-5) on Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
While both teams continue their respective seasons, the failed trade could ultimately influence how the NFL handles similar transactions in the future.