The Denver Broncos did business with head coach Sean Payton’s former team, the New Orleans Saints, trading wide receiver Devaughn Vele to them for a package of picks. When all is said and done, Broncos rookie third-round selection Pat Bryant could emerge as the big winner.
Selected with the No. 74 overall pick of the 2025 draft, Bryant has drawn lofty praise from Payton.
With Vele out of the way, he may be poised to have a greater opportunity to show why.
“#Broncos’ trade of Devaughn Vele signals a clear faith in Pat Bryant to contribute this year, IMO,” The Denver Post’s Luca Evan posted on X on August 20. “Sean Payton said he wanted to get Bryant touches in last preseason game. He led Broncos in receiving yards v. Arizona. Vele primarily played slot last year, Bryant can play slot.”
“There were so many things about his game that reminded me of Mike Thomas, and with respect to Mike, who became – holy cow. You don’t ever want to put pressure on a rookie like that; we’re just talking about traits. But really explosive off the line of scrimmage, very competitive, very tough,” Payton told reporters in April. “His size and his hands are outstanding.
“Obviously, he’s physical. And so – but the player comp for me, it reminded me, forget the jersey number [both players wear/wore No. 13], just of a lot of traits that Mike had, especially at the line of scrimmage.”
Vele’s trade clears a path for Bryant and sets the Broncos up for the future or even a move before this year’s deadline.
Broncos Draw Rave Reviews for Devaughn Vele Trade
GettyDevaughn Vele #17 of the Denver Broncos warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Vele turns 28 in December, when Bryant will turn 23, offering some potential context about why the Broncos decided to make the trade.
They also received tremendous value.
“Getting a 4th for Vele would’ve been nuts,” iHeart Radio’s Zach Segars posted on X on August 20 in reaction to the deal. “Getting two picks is beyond fantastic!!!
“Vele was likely to be inactive and would potentially be a progress-stopper for [Troy] Franklin and Bryant! Now the Broncos clear the way for those two AND pick up some sweet draft capital.”
Notably, the Broncos will visit the Saints to close out the 2025 preseason.
“The #Broncos absolutely FLEECED the Saints in the Vele deal,” Mile High Huddle’s Zack Kelberman posted.
“Highway robbery.”
Responding to a fan who considered the deal equally favorable, Kelberman retorted with, “Giving up a fourth (potentially a low third) and a seventh for a soon-to-be 28-year-old former dart throw whom the Broncos clearly relegated to the backburner? I dunno, man.
“It’s a win for Vele given his newfound opportunity. But in terms of the teams involved, Denver made out like bandits.”
Kelberman’s sentiments are the prevailing thoughts in the immediate aftermath of the deal.
KOA Colorado’s Benjamin Allbright said the Broncos “have” to take an offer like they got when it comes to them, saying they received an “eye opening haul.”
Troy Franklin Set to Benefit From Broncos Trade Too
GettyTroy Franklin #11 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
As Segars noted, Franklin is also poised to benefit from Vele’s trade to the Saints. Franklin and Broncos quarterback Bo Nix were teammates in college, and the second-year wideout put up a 28-263-2 line on the season.
Nix and Franklin became the first rookie duo to score a touchdown in the Broncos’ AFC Wild Card matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
Courtland Sutton remains Nix’s top target on the perimeter.
Sutton will have fellow Pro Bowler Evan Engram to take some of the opposing defenses’ attention. All-Pro and Pro Bowl return man Marvin Mims is WR2 on the Broncos’ unofficial depth chart.
Bryant and Franklin face a clearer path following the Broncos’ trade. They must still prove the organization’s apparent faith in them is justified.
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