When word emerged that the trade that would have sent linebacker Daiyan Henley from the Chargers to the Broncos was called off, no specific details were provided. Common sense pointed to a failed physical and, for a change, common sense was accurate.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Henley did indeed fail the physical in Denver.
It was, we’re told, a knee issue. Although Henley appeared on the Week 9 injury report with a shoulder problem, he was listed with a knee injury in Week 6.
Every trade hinges on the passing of a physical. The player rarely fails it. Still, when he does, the trade doesn’t happen.
The problem with eleventh-hour deadline deals that fall through is that the team that thought it was acquiring a new player now can’t pivot elsewhere.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that the Broncos got cold feet after committing a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to the transaction. As everyone learned with the failed Maxx Crosby trade from the Raiders to the Ravens, the standards can shift from team to team.
Crosby, who stayed with the Raiders, has started all nine games — and he has been on the field for 89 percent of the snaps. Henley, who has started all eight Chargers games and played 87 percent of the snaps, presumably will return to action for the Chargers.