From NBC Sports · · 50s
Jim Harbaugh: Broncos loophole trade
Broncos used NFL loophole to renegotiate trade for linebacker after deadline.
In brief
Broncos used NFL loophole to renegotiate trade for linebacker after deadline. Broncos exploited NFL rules to avoid full trade terms for linebacker by using medical grade pass-fail after deadline. Originally reported by NBC Sports.
Trade loophole
Broncos backed out of trade for Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley after deadline.
“The Broncos based a pass-fail on a medical grade based on whether we would take less compensation, and we wouldn’t and we didn’t”
Medical grade issue
Broncos wanted to give up less than fifth-round pick for Henley after physical concerns.
“It’s a medical grade. It’s a pass-fail for a medical grade, and they told us they weren’t going to pass him if it’s a fourth and a fifth”
Harbaugh's view
Harbaugh says NFL rules let teams renegotiate trade terms after deadline.
“It shouldn’t be, but apparently it is. That’s why it’s a loophole, and teams should not have the ability to do that”
Trade terms
Broncos offered to pass Henley if Chargers took less than fifth-round pick.
“They would pass him for a fourth and a fill in the blank”
NFL rule problem
NFL rules incentivize teams to use physical exams to renegotiate trades.
“By allowing teams to renegotiate trade terms after the deadline, the NFL is incentivizing teams to engage in chicanery on physical exams”
Chargers' position
Chargers refused to budge on trade terms for Henley.
“The Chargers refused to budge, but the NFL rules shouldn’t have put the Chargers in a position where they had to make that decision”
The headline
Broncos exploited NFL rules to avoid full trade terms for linebacker by using medical grade pass-fail after deadline.
