Winless Chargers make first move of NFL trade deadline with AFC West partner

The Los Angeles Chargers have made a move after all.

Linebacker Daiyan Henley will remain in the AFC West as the Chargers plan to trade him to the Denver Broncos , according to multiple reports. It's the first trade Los Angeles is making ahead of this year's NFL trade deadline.

For weeks, there had been reports that the winless Chargers were not interested in trading away their players to recoup draft capital. After an eighth straight loss to open the year on Sunday, Nov. 8, their tune appears to have changed.

Henley, 26, was in the final year of his rookie contract with Los Angeles. The linebacker began his career with the Chargers as a third-round pick in 2023. He ends his tenure with the team that drafted him, having tallied 317 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 15 passes defended, five sacks and four interceptions.

Here's what the Broncos are giving up to acquire their new linebacker:

NFL trade deadline: Players on the move as Nov. 10 cutoff looms

Henley was among the most obvious tradable assets on the Chargers' roster as their season-opening losing streak continued. The fourth-year linebacker's contract expires after this season, and he has struggled to adjust to new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary's system since Jesse Minter departed for the Ravens ' head coaching job.

The Broncos provide the change of scenery that could benefit Henley midway through the season. Under Vance Joseph, Henley could see a return to his strong coverage abilities that defined his early years in Los Angeles. That could be key for Denver's middle-of-the-field defense, as Alex Singleton has struggled in pass coverage so far this year.