The New Orleans Saints haven’t picked a starting quarterback, but they have added another weapon for Kellen Moore’s offense. On Wednesday, the Saints acquired wide receiver Devaughn Vele from the Denver Broncos. In return, the Saints sent Denver a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move signals New Orleans’ intent to strengthen its receiving corps ahead of the 2025 season, while still maintaining most of its draft flexibility.
Vele, a seventh-round selection out of Utah in the 2024 NFL Draft, flashed potential as a rookie with the Broncos. He appeared in 13 games with seven starts, catching 41 passes for 475 yards and three touchdowns. Two of his three scores came against the Kansas City Chiefs. Vele averaged 11.6 yards per catch, demonstrating efficiency and the ability to stretch the field. Though he was not a focal point of Denver’s offense, his performance as a late-round pick made him a potentially valuable developmental asset.
Player Profile
At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Vele brings rare size to the Saints’ receiver room. He uses his long frame to create mismatches against smaller defensive backs and has the body control to win contested catches. His red-zone ability could be a difference-maker in an offense that struggled with consistency inside the 20-yard line last season.
Before entering the NFL, Vele built an impressive résumé at Utah. Over his college career, he played in 47 games with 28 starts, compiling 123 receptions for 1,689 yards and nine touchdowns. In his senior season, he led the Utes with 43 catches for 593 yards and earned Pac-12 All-Conference honorable mention. His collegiate track record, combined with his rookie contributions, suggests untapped upside.
The Saints, according to Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters, “are looking to find their identity on offense, and it appears they want all the receiver help they can get while they do that.”
Fit in the Saints Offense
The Saints enter the 2025 season with first-year head coach Kellen Moore implementing a new offensive scheme. Vele adds another dimension to a receiver group that already includes Chris Olave, Brandin Cooks, and Rashid Shaheed. While those three provide speed and polished route running, Vele’s size gives Moore a different kind of weapon. His ability to high-point passes and serve as a red-zone target could complement the existing skill sets within the unit.
John Sigler of Saints Wire emphasized both the opportunity and the cost of the move, noting that “the Saints are down to just five picks in the 2026 draft after their Devaughn Vele trade.” That trade-off underscores the team’s confidence in Vele’s ability to contribute quickly. Rather than relying solely on young quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, the front office is adding pieces that can raise the overall ceiling of the offense.
Strategic Value
New Orleans gave up two late-round draft picks, which is a relatively low price for a young receiver who has already proven he can compete at the NFL level. For the Saints, the trade represents a calculated risk with potentially high reward. If Vele develops into a consistent contributor, the team will have found a long-term piece without sacrificing premium draft capital.
The acquisition of Devaughn Vele gives New Orleans a new weapon at wide receiver, and one with the potential to grow into a significant role. His size and skill set provide balance to a receiving corps that leans heavily on speed and precision. In the short term, he offers quarterback-friendly options in contested situations. In the long term, he could become a reliable starter.
For a team looking to find stability on offense, the Saints made a move that costs little but could pay big dividends. By acquiring Vele, New Orleans not only filled a need but also showed its willingness to be aggressive in building around Moore’s system. If Vele continues his upward trajectory, this trade could be remembered as one of the more savvy transactions of the Saints’ offseason.
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