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Jan 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Nate Adkins (45) and tight end Adam Trautman (82) in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Why The Denver Broncos Traded Away Devaughn Vele

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Jasper Salenga | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 6:05 PM ET

After the Denver Broncos traded away prized asset Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints, football analysts, media pundits, and fans collectively asked, almost in unison, “What in the world were they thinking?” Vele wasn’t just a depth piece designed to keep those above him on the depth chart on their toes. He’s a 6′-5″ receiving target with good hands; one who’s willing to run and pass block with ferocity.

Why The Denver Broncos Traded Away Devaughn Vele

Making Sense of The Broncos’ Train of Thought

Teammates and the coaching staff didn’t dislike Vele. Quite the opposite – Head coach Sean Payton confessed this was one of the toughest trade decisions he’s ever made. It wasn’t Vele’s skill set; it was simply numbers. Denver’s receiving corps is stacked with playmakers who all deserve snaps. Courtland Sutton is guaranteed to produce. Marvin Mims has two Pro Bowl selections under his belt. Troy Franklin has undeniable chemistry with QB Bo Nix. Rookie Pat Bryant is projected to be an instant contributor. Add a couple more developmental role players and suddenly, the WR room got a bit too crowded.

What Could Have Been

In another timeline, Vele undoubtedly makes this team. It’s quite plausible that he even carves a critical role in the offense. Back here in our universe, though, the Saints made an unbelievably strong offer – one that the Broncos would have been foolish not to listen to. The Saints gave up a fourth-round pick in 2026, a seventh in 2027, and a late-round, conditional pick as well. All these for a player Denver picked in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. That’s the type of draft capital that NFL GMs salivate over. Make no mistake. This was bittersweet for everyone who’s involved with the Broncos organization. Vele simply belonged. He was a hard worker, knew the playbook, sharp decision maker, and his chemistry with Bo Nix was building. On several occasions last season, he bailed the offense out of third-and-long situations with his pass protection, allowing them to move the chains. Vele is the type of player with unteachable intangibles. You can’t teach size and toughness.

Roster Still Under Construction

Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton are building the roster not just for 2025, but for seasons beyond that. Stacking draft picks helps. Allowing Franklin and Bryant to develop without looking over their shoulders helps. And the most crucial part – ensuring the final 53 is balanced across all positions instead of being overloaded at one. If Vele pops off in New Orleans, it will be more than an emotional gut punch for Broncos Country. His size, discipline, hands, and toughness made him a player that the Saints highly coveted. Should Vele turn into one of those QB BFF/safety blanket type players, the Mile High faithful will all be up in arms.

This Decision Had To Be Made

One thing is crystal clear. This trade was never about what Devaughn Vele wasn’t capable of. It was about the roster situation the Broncos are currently in. They’re sacrificing a little bit today but gaining a lot more for tomorrow. Trading Vele was a tough call. Time will tell if it was a masterfully brilliant move or a stinker on par with the Russell Wilson acquisition. Main Image: David Gonzales – Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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