# Jim Harbaugh: Broncos loophole trade

> Broncos used NFL loophole to renegotiate trade for linebacker after deadline.
- Title: Jim Harbaugh: Broncos loophole trade · NBC Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Broncos used NFL loophole to renegotiate trade for linebacker after deadline. Broncos exploited NFL rules to avoid full trade terms for linebacker by using…
- Keywords: denver broncos, los angeles chargers, jim harbaugh, daiyan henley, nfl, trade deadline, medical grade, replay rule, NBC Sports
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/jim-harbaugh-broncos-took-advantage-of-a-loophole-the-nfl-should-not-allow
- Published: 2026-11-12T22:47:14.226+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: denver broncos, los angeles chargers, jim harbaugh, daiyan henley, nfl, trade deadline, medical grade, replay rule, 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
## Key takeaway

Broncos exploited NFL rules to avoid full trade terms for linebacker by using medical grade pass-fail after deadline.