The Broncos are sending a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder to the Chargers for LB Daiyan Henley, according to multiple reports. That points to the former third-round pick likely taking over for Denver No. 2 LB Justin Strnad ... right?
What They're Saying: A Surprise
Zac Stevens of DNVR: "Broncos adding Daiyan Henley is for depth behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, I'm told. And he's excellent depth. Henley has been a full-time starter for the Chargers the last three seasons. He was a 3rd round pick in 2023."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Not Much, Apparently
Welp, I can agree with Zac that Henley would make for excellent LB depth. Of course, if you're trading TWO draft picks for LB depth, then I'd sure hope you're getting quality.
I have a hard time believing that's true, though.
Why would the Broncos make that swap simply for LB insurance? Not only are they down Day 3 picks in each of the next two draft, but Henley's contract runs out after this season. And those picks now reside with a division rival.
For IDP purposes, I have to trust the info here. Stevens certainly beats me on Broncos sources.
So I won't be projecting Henley into the Denver starting lineup. But I'd also be wary of trusting that Strnad keeps his full role. We'll see how this one plays out.
What Do Chargers Have Left?
Good question.
L.A. already didn't look very good at LB even before the Henley trade. And the Chargers' willingness to trade him in the division rather than try for a contract extension says they'd soured on a guy who has been starting for them since the beginning of 2024.
Del'Shawn Phillips looks like the best bet for the Week 10 starting lineup. The team hopes to get veteran Denzel Perryman back from injury soon. He's been on IR since the start of the season, got back to some activity last week, but has yet to get his practice window officially opened.
Troy Dye and Marlowe Wax are the other competitors for playing time.
No one in the group makes for an exciting IDP option, but someone will get numbers.
Perryman looks like the best tackle bet once he gets back. For now, Phillips will lead the group in our Week 10 LB rankings.
