The Denver Broncos agreed to trade two draft picks to the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this week in exchange for linebacker Daiyan Henley, but when the dust settles, Denver's net loss of picks might end up being zero.

Denver sent a 2027 fourth-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to L.A. in exchange for Henley, who is halfway through the final season of his rookie contract. Next spring, the Broncos are projected to receive a fourth-round compensatory pick for losing defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers during free agency this offseason. So that will essentially replace the fourth-round pick that Denver lost in 2027.

After the season, if the Broncos decide not to re-sign Henley and he also leaves in free agency, the Broncos could receive a fifth-round comp pick in 2028 for his departure. That would depend on what kind of contract Henley signs elsewhere and if Denver makes any big splashes that would cancel out his projected comp pick. But it's possible that the Broncos could gain back a fifth-round pick in 2028 if they let Henley walk in free agency.

And if Henley plays well enough to receive a contract extension from Denver, the net loss of a mere fifth-round pick will have been more than worth it. The deal certainly looks like a shrewd move by general manager George Paton.