The trade deadline passed on Tuesday, but one of its deals fell apart late Wednesday night. The Broncos said their trade for Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley “will not be finalized,” so Henley stays in Los Angeles. Six players cut on Tuesday, including Eagles running back Jaydon Blue, went unclaimed and are now free agents. Below are those moves, plus the Wednesday moves that were not in our Wednesday roundup. For every move in one place, see our transactions page.
Daiyan Henley trade called off
| Team | Player | Pos. | Move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Broncos | Daiyan Henley | LB | Trade from the Chargers will not be finalized |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Daiyan Henley | LB | Stays with the team; trade to the Broncos called off |
Denver agreed to the deal just before Tuesday’s deadline, sending a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to Los Angeles, as listed in our deadline-day roundup. The league lists the trade as of Tuesday, but it was never finalized. Late Wednesday night, the Broncos posted a short statement: “The proposed trade involving Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley will not be finalized. We have great respect for Daiyan as a player and person, and we wish him all the best moving forward.”
Neither team gave a reason. Henley was at the Broncos’ facility on Wednesday and took a physical, Jeff Legwold reported, and a trade is usually called off after the deadline only when a player fails his physical. Henley hurt his shoulder in Week 8 against the Rams but practiced fully the next week and played against the Texans in Week 9. He is in the last year of his rookie contract and can become an unrestricted free agent in March.
About 30 hours after posting “Thank you for everything, Daiyan” to announce the trade, the Chargers posted a new graphic with “Thank you” crossed out and “Welcome back” written above it. The winless Chargers play the Ravens on Monday night.
Tuesday’s waiver cuts go unclaimed
| Team | Player | Pos. | Move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Eagles | Jaydon Blue | RB | Cleared waivers; now a free agent |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Alijah Huzzie | CB | Cleared waivers; now a free agent |
| Miami Dolphins | Reese Taylor | CB | Cleared waivers; now a free agent |
| Denver Broncos | Sean Fresch | DB | Cleared waivers; now a free agent |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Hayden Rucci | TE | Cleared waivers; now a free agent |
| Baltimore Ravens | Kyle Hergel | G | Cleared waivers; now a free agent |
No team claimed any of the six players waived on Tuesday. The league’s transaction wire lists all six as cleared waivers, so they are free to sign anywhere. That includes Blue, a 2025 draft pick, and Ravens guard Hergel. Claims for Chiefs receiver Nikko Remigio, waived on Wednesday to make room for Josh Downs, are due at 4 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday.
More of Wednesday’s moves
| Team | Player | Pos. | Move |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Lions | Jackson Meeks | WR | Re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers |
| Baltimore Ravens | Nick Vannett | TE | Signed to the practice squad, a day after his release |
| Arizona Cardinals | Phillip Dorsett | WR | Signed to the practice squad |
| Green Bay Packers | Skyy Moore | WR | Designated to return from injured reserve |
| Indianapolis Colts | Arden Key | DE | Designated to return from injured reserve |
| New England Patriots | Reggie Gilliam | FB | Designated to return from injured reserve |
| New Orleans Saints | Travis Etienne Jr. | RB | Designated to return from injured reserve |
| Carolina Panthers | Jonathon Brooks | RB | Designated to return from injured reserve |
| Carolina Panthers | Michael Jackson | CB | Designated to return from injured reserve |
| Carolina Panthers | Xavier Legette | WR | Designated to return from injured reserve |
Detroit brought receiver Jackson Meeks back to its practice squad after he cleared waivers, and Baltimore did the same with tight end Nick Vannett, whom it released on Tuesday. Arizona added veteran receiver Phillip Dorsett to its practice squad.
Seven more players had their 21-day practice windows opened. The biggest name is Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr., who was back at practice on Wednesday. Carolina opened the windows for running back Jonathon Brooks, cornerback Michael Jackson and receiver Xavier Legette. Green Bay designated receiver Skyy Moore, Indianapolis designated defensive end Arden Key, and New England designated fullback Reggie Gilliam.
What to watch next
Minnesota has not released Carson Wentz since acquiring Kirk Cousins, so the Vikings carry four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster for now. The Rams worked out receiver Tyler Scott with Puka Nacua set to miss time. Thursday will bring the Remigio claim result, the Commanders and Giants’ practice squad elevations for Thursday night, and Green Bay’s decision on Josh Jacobs and injured reserve by Saturday.
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