Devaughn Vele Traded to New Orleans Saints in Surprise Move

Denver Broncos send Devaughn Vele to Saints

The Denver Broncos traded wide receiver Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

The Denver Broncos traded wide receiver Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Vele, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver, was drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he caught 41 passes for 475 yards and three touchdowns, making him a promising addition to the Saints' receiving corps.

We’ve agreed to terms on a trade with the New Orleans Saints for a 2026 fourth-round pick and 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for WR Devaughn Vele.

📰 » https://t.co/f3HbrhaB9c pic.twitter.com/4vHeFKTcYv

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 20, 2025

The trade comes at a strategic time for the Saints, who are currently evaluating their quarterback options between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough. Vele's size and playing style could prove valuable for whichever quarterback wins the starting role. With Chris Olave, Brandin Cooks, and Rashid Shaheed already in the Saints' receiving room, Vele's addition further deepens their roster.

For the Broncos, trading Vele makes sense given their current depth at wide receiver, which includes Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant. The trade allows them to acquire additional draft capital while maintaining a robust receiving group. The Broncos' front office appears to have secured a good deal, trading Vele at peak value and gaining two draft picks in return.

Devaughn Vele, a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has been released by the Denver Broncos after posting 475 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 41 receptions in 12 games, seven of which he started. Vele's departure comes after fellow 2024 draftee Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant outperformed him in training camp.

TRADE 🚨

The #Saints have acquired WR Devaughn Vele from the Broncos in exchange for future considerations ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/ELO3i7jhDH

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 20, 2025

Vele will join the New Orleans Saints, who are looking to bolster their wide receiver depth. He'll likely sit behind Brandin Cooks, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed on the depth chart. With his speed and agility, Vele could be a valuable asset for the Saints, potentially serving as a reliable backup or special teams contributor.

Key Stats:

• Receptions: 41
• Receiving Yards: 475
• Touchdowns: 3
• Games Started: 7
• Games Played: 12

Career Highlights:

2024 Season: 475 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in 12 games with the Denver Broncos

NFL Draft: 7th round (235th overall) pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2024 NFL Draft

College: Played for the University of Utah, recording 123 catches for 1,689 yards and 9 touchdowns.