Daiyan Henley: Trade, Stats, Contract, Draft, Is He Good? Highlights

Daiyan Henley is an NFL linebacker who has made a name for himself through his tackling ability, athleticism and defensive versatility. After developing into an important defensive player for the Los Angeles Chargers, Henley became part of a major trade ahead of the 2026 NFL trade deadline.

On November 10, 2026, the Chargers traded Henley to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round selection. The deal is pending a physical.

Henley’s journey to the NFL included stops at Nevada and Washington State before the Chargers selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Here is everything to know about Daiyan Henley’s trade, career stats, contract, draft history, playing ability and NFL highlights.

Daiyan Henley Trade: Why Did the Chargers Trade Him?

Daiyan Henley was traded from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Denver Broncos on November 10, 2026.

The Chargers received two future draft selections in exchange for the linebacker:

• 2027 fourth-round draft pick.
• 2028 fifth-round draft pick.

The trade came shortly before the 2026 NFL trade deadline. Henley was approaching the end of his rookie contract and was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season.

The Chargers decided to turn his remaining contract value into additional draft capital rather than risk losing him in free agency without receiving compensation.

The move also represents a notable transaction between two AFC West rivals.

For Denver, acquiring Henley provides additional experience and athleticism at linebacker. For Los Angeles, the deal adds valuable selections for future drafts.

Daiyan Henley Stats: NFL Career Numbers

Henley developed into a productive defensive contributor during his time with the Chargers. His ability to make tackles and contribute in pass coverage helped him become a regular starter.

According to NFL career statistics, his numbers through Week 8 of the 2026 season were:

Source: NFL.com career statistics. Figures reflect the statistics available through Week 8 of 2026.

His 2024 season was particularly impressive. Henley recorded 132 tackles and established himself as an important part of the Chargers’ defensive unit.

He followed that performance with another productive campaign in 2025, recording 101 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

In 2026, he had already recorded 50 tackles through eight games before the trade.

Is Daiyan Henley a Good NFL Linebacker?

Yes. Daiyan Henley has demonstrated that he can be a productive NFL linebacker.

His biggest strength is his ability to contribute in multiple defensive situations. He can stop running plays, pursue ball carriers and provide coverage against opposing receivers and tight ends.

Here are some of his biggest strengths:

1. Tackling ability

Henley has shown consistent tackling production. His 132 tackles in 2024 demonstrated his ability to find the football and make plays.

2. Athleticism

His athletic background helps him move across the field and defend different areas of the formation.

3. Pass coverage

Henley has also contributed in coverage, recording four career interceptions through Week 8 of 2026.

4. Defensive experience

He has played both as a rotational defender and a starting linebacker. His experience makes him a useful addition to an NFL defense.

However, he still has areas to improve. Consistency, coverage discipline and adapting to a new defensive system will be important as he begins his next chapter in Denver.

Overall, Henley has shown the qualities of a dependable starting-caliber linebacker.

Daiyan Henley Contract: How Much Is He Worth?

Daiyan Henley signed a four-year rookie contract with the Los Angeles Chargers after being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

According to Over The Cap, the contract was worth approximately $5.42 million.

Here are the reported contract details:

His 2026 base salary is listed at $3.674 million, with a salary-cap charge of approximately $3.91 million.

The 2026 season is the final year of his original rookie contract. Following the trade, Henley moves to Denver with his existing contract.

His next contract could become an important financial milestone if he continues producing as a starting linebacker.

Daiyan Henley NFL Draft: When Was He Drafted?

Daiyan Henley entered the NFL through the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the third round with the 85th overall pick.

His draft information is:

• Draft year: 2023
• Round: Third round
• Overall pick: 85th
• Drafted by: Los Angeles Chargers
• Position: Linebacker
• College: Washington State

Henley was an interesting prospect because of his athletic ability and college football experience.

He initially played at Nevada before transferring to Washington State. His development at Washington State helped him attract NFL attention.

The Chargers ultimately invested a third-round selection in him, and he became a regular starter during his second professional season.

Daiyan Henley College Career

Henley played college football at Nevada and Washington State.

He began his college journey at Nevada, where he developed his skills and gained experience as a defensive player.

He later transferred to Washington State. His performances with the Cougars helped him improve his NFL draft prospects.

At Washington State, he demonstrated his ability to play linebacker and contribute against both the run and pass.

His college development eventually led to his selection by the Chargers in 2023.

Daiyan Henley Highlights: Best NFL Moments

Henley’s career highlights include his emergence as a starting linebacker and his productive defensive performances.

Some of his most notable achievements include:

• Recording 132 tackles during the 2024 regular season.
• Starting all 17 games in 2024.
• Recording eight pass breakups in 2024.
• Collecting 3.5 sacks during the 2025 season.
• Recording two interceptions in 2025.
• Becoming a two-time Chargers team captain.
• Contributing in two postseason starts.

His 2024 campaign was particularly memorable. He recorded at least 10 tackles in nine games, including six consecutive games with double-digit tackles.

That stretch demonstrated his ability to become a consistent presence in the middle of the Chargers’ defense.

Fans looking for Daiyan Henley highlights can search for his Chargers defensive plays, tackles, interceptions and postseason performances.

What Does Daiyan Henley’s Trade Mean for the Broncos?

The Broncos receive an experienced linebacker who has already demonstrated that he can handle a significant defensive workload.

Henley’s tackling production, athleticism and experience as a starter could help Denver strengthen its linebacker group.

He also brings experience playing in important AFC West matchups, which could make his transition to another division rival particularly interesting.

However, adapting to Denver’s defensive system will be an important part of his adjustment.

If he maintains his previous level of production, the Broncos could benefit from acquiring a starting-caliber defender without giving up a first- or second-round selection.

Conclusion

Daiyan Henley has developed from a third-round draft selection into an established NFL linebacker. His productive seasons with the Chargers, particularly his 2024 campaign, demonstrated his potential as a defensive playmaker.

His November 10, 2026, trade to the Denver Broncos marks a new chapter in his career. Denver acquired him for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick, with the deal pending a physical.

With his rookie contract approaching its conclusion, Henley’s performance in Denver could play an important role in determining his future NFL contract.

FAQs About Daiyan Henley

1. What team did Daiyan Henley get traded to?

Daiyan Henley was traded from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Denver Broncos on November 10, 2026.

2. What did the Broncos give up for Daiyan Henley?

Denver traded a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to acquire Henley.

3. How many tackles does Daiyan Henley have?

He recorded 295 tackles through Week 8 of the 2026 season, according to NFL.com.

4. Is Daiyan Henley a good linebacker?

Yes. He has demonstrated strong tackling ability, athleticism and pass-coverage skills while developing into a starting-caliber NFL linebacker.

5. What is Daiyan Henley’s contract worth?

His original four-year rookie contract with the Chargers was worth $5,420,426, including $942,128 in guaranteed money.

6. When was Daiyan Henley drafted?

The Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 85th overall pick.

7. Where did Daiyan Henley play college football?

He played college football at Nevada and Washington State.

8. What position does Daiyan Henley play?

He plays linebacker in the NFL.

9. How many interceptions does Daiyan Henley have?

He recorded four career interceptions through Week 8 of the 2026 season.

10. Is Daiyan Henley still with the Chargers?

No. The Chargers traded him to the Denver Broncos on November 10, 2026. The trade is pending a physical.