The New Orleans Saints ought to’ve been cautious about doing enterprise with former head coach Sean Payton.
On Wednesday, the Denver Broncos introduced they agreed to ship second-year broad receiver Devaughn Vele to the Saints for a 2026 fourth-rounder and a 2027 seventh-rounder. Payton (now the HC of the Broncos) most likely feels he received this deal.
Vele — a 2024 seventh-rounder — may emerge as a stable goal for the Saints. In his rookie season, the previous Utah Utes star had 41 receptions for 475 yards and three landing catches in 13 video games.
Nonetheless, the Saints possible gave up an excessive amount of for the 6-foot-5, 210-pound broad receiver. In March 2024, the Broncos dealt WR Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns for 2024 fifth- and sixth-round picks. The 2020 first-round choose had 211 receptions for 3,053 yards and 11 TD catches in 4 seasons with the Broncos.
Vele — who turns 28 on Dec. 12 — might not have an extended shelf life, both. WRs usually decline as they strategy their 30s.
The Broncos, in the meantime, can use these picks to proceed constructing round second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Earlier than the commerce, Denver had eight picks (together with two compensation picks) within the 2026 draft, via Tankathon.
The Broncos lose some WR depth by transferring Vele, however he was possible going to have fewer targets anyway.
Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. are entrenched because the Broncos’ No. 1 and No. 2 WRs. Wideouts Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant have appeared like breakout candidates within the preseason.
Franklin, a 2024 fourth-rounder, has seven receptions for 85 yards and two TD catches by two preseason video games. Bryant, a 2025 third-rounder, has six receptions for 91 yards in two preseason video games.
This commerce is one other questionable transfer by Saints normal supervisor Mickey Loomis, who has struggled to construct a winner since Payton left after the 2021 season. The franchise hasn’t made the playoffs for the reason that 2020 season.
Loomis ought to’ve recognized to not belief his former coach. The Tremendous Bowl champion desires to proceed discovering methods to win, even when it means probably fleecing his previous staff.
