Grading the trade: The rich get richer after Chargers agree to a rare in-division trade that bolsters the Broncos’ defense
The Denver Broncos waited until the final hour of the NFL trade deadline to make a move, and the price they paid a division rival for a young linebacker has sparked debate about who actually won.
It took until the final hour of the NFL trade deadline, but the Denver Broncos finally made their move on Tuesday. They acquired linebacker Daiyon Henley from the Los Angeles Chargers in a rare AFC West trade.
Henley is only 26 years old and is playing out the final year of his rookie contract. Over the past couple of seasons, he has come to life in Los Angeles and turned himself into one of the better inside linebackers in the league. He is set to hit free agency in March, and for now, he fills a need and heads to a perfect spot in Denver.
Broncos-Chargers trade details
- Broncos receive: LB Dayon Henley
- Chargers receive: 2027 fourth-round pick, 2028 fifth-round pick
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chargers are sending Henley to the Broncos in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.
How the Henley trade grades out in the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator
If you plug the deal into the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator at atozsports.com, Los Angeles comes out with a massive advantage. The simulator scores it as a win of more than 200 points for the Chargers.
On paper, that makes it look like Denver overpaid for what could end up being a half-season rental. Even so, I love this move for the Broncos, and the reasoning is pretty simple.
Why Henley fills a clear need for Denver
One look at the Broncos’ depth chart tells you everything you need to know. Alex Singleton is one of the best stack linebackers in the NFL. His story is an amazing one considering everything he has dealt with, but beyond the story, he’s a darn good football player.
The problem sits opposite him at the right inside linebacker spot. Justin Strand is not exactly a great coverage player, and coverage is exactly what Henley brings to the table.
This was already one of the better defenses in the league. Denver hasn’t been at full health for much of the season, yet the unit continues to be dominant. Adding a linebacker who plays with his hair on fire only raises the ceiling for that group.
Broncos fans should know Henley well by now. With the two teams sharing a division, they’ve seen him up close plenty. In-division trades rarely happen, which makes this one stand out even more. The rich just got richer in Denver, and the Broncos added one of the best up-and-coming stack linebackers in the league in the process.
Final grade for the Broncos
Henley could turn out to be a short-term rental, and Denver may decide not to pay him when he hits the open market in March.
To me, that doesn’t change the outcome. Giving up a pair of Day 3 picks for a 26-year-old linebacker who patches the biggest hole in an already dominant defense is a major win for the Broncos, even if it doesn’t pan out long term.
The bottom line is that this deal makes Denver better right now, and my final grade lands at an A.
