Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said the Denver Broncos exploited a "loophole" in their handling of the now-canceled trade for linebacker Daiyan Henley, asserting that the AFC West rival tried to renegotiate the deal after a physical.
"The Broncos based a pass-fail on a medical grade, based on whether we would take less compensation," Harbaugh said Thursday, according to ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. "And we wouldn't. And we didn't. And in my opinion it's one of those loopholes that the league should really look into, because it sets a bad precedent and it continues to set a bad precedent."
On Tuesday, Denver agreed to send a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection to Los Angeles in exchange for Henley, though the deal was pending a physical. The Broncos later announced that the transaction would not be finalized.
The Broncos reportedly discovered an issue with one of Henley's knees during his physical Wednesday and attempted to revise the trade. However, Harbaugh said he was puzzled because Henley has been able to suit up for the Chargers.
"It's a pass-fail for a medical grade and they told us they weren't going to pass him it if it was a fourth and a fifth (pick), which was agreed upon," Harbaugh recounted. "And they would not pass him for that. They would pass them for a fourth and a fill-in-the-blank. And that was, I don't know what to call that, but that's what it is."
Henley has started every game for the 0-8 Chargers and played 87% of the club's defensive snaps this year. He leads the team in tackles with 51. He also has an interception, forced fumble, two tackles for loss, and half a sack.
