Denver Broncos & New Orleans Saints Agree To Massive Wide Receiver Trade

The Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints made a compelling trade involving a wide receiver on Wednesday evening, with Devaughn Vele headed to the Big Easy.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos have traded Devaughn Vele to the Saints in exchange for 2026 fourth and 2027 seventh-round picks. The Utah product was a seventh-round pick of the Broncos (235th overall) last year.

Denver has acquired several former Saints to reunite with Sean Payton since the veteran head coach came aboard, including kicker Wil Lutz and tight end Adam Trautman. This time, however, it’s a former Bronco heading to New Orleans.

News of the Devaughn Vele deal came shortly after Adam Schefter broke the news of another surprise trade, with the Minnesota Vikings sending defensive tackle and team captain Harrison Phillips and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the New York Jets for two draft picks.

And another trade! The Denver Broncos are sending WR Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints for a 2026 4th-round pick and a 2027 7th-round pick, per sources. pic.twitter.com/ZcvBWvT0ny

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 20, 2025

The Vele trade also comes three days after Saints GM Mickey Loomis traded veteran defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

New Orleans’ roster already looks a lot different than the 2024 group that finished 5-12. Veteran quarterback Derek Carr and All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu unexpectedly retired, and running back Jamaal Williams was released after two disappointing seasons.

Devaughn Vele Is A 27-Year-Old Sophomore

Vele was 26 years of age when the Broncos drafted him out of Utah a year ago. A late college football bloomer, Vele didn’t break out until the 2022 campaign, when he posted 55 receptions for 695 yards and five touchdowns.

Proving it was no fluke, Vele caught 43 passes for 593 yards and three touchdowns in his age-25 season. The Broncos saw enough and rolled the dice on Vele, who caught 41 passes for 475 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie.

Vele, who turns 28 on Dec. 12, figures to enjoy a greater role on a New Orleans offense devoid of playmakers outside of Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara.