Saints Acquire WR Devaughn Vele in Trade with Broncos

August 21, 2025

NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Saints made a move on Thursday to enhance their receiving corps. They picked up second-year wide receiver Devaughn Vele from the Denver Broncos. In return, the Saints sent a fourth-round pick in 2026 and a seventh-round pick in 2027.

Vele, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound target out of Utah, was Denver’s seventh-round pick in 2024. In his rookie season, he played 13 games and started seven. He caught 41 passes for 475 yards and three touchdowns, ranking third among the team’s receivers. Sadly, he missed some time this offseason due to a knee injury. In two preseason appearances this year, he recorded one reception for six yards.

The trade adds height and depth for the Saints. It supports Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks. This is especially helpful as tight ends Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill recover from knee injuries. Also, wideout Bub Means is on injured reserve. With the quarterback battle between Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough still ongoing, New Orleans adds a reliable red-zone target.

The deal helps the Broncos manage their roster as they get ready for final cuts before the season opener. Denver’s strong receiver depth, with Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims Jr., helped them gain extra draft picks. This was for a player who ranked second on the Broncos in snaps and targets during his first NFL season.