Broncos HC Sean Payton fleeced former team with savvy trade

Vele — a 2024 seventh-rounder — could emerge as a solid target for the Saints. In his rookie season, the former Utah Utes star had 41 receptions for 475 yards and three touchdown catches in 13 games. 

Still, the Saints likely gave up too much for the 6-foot-5, 210-pound wide 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 pick had 211 receptions for 3,053 yards and 11 TD catches in four seasons with the Broncos.   

Vele — who turns 28 on Dec. 12 — may not have a long shelf life, either. WRs typically decline as they approach their 30s. 

The Broncos, meanwhile, can use these picks to continue building around second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Before the trade, Denver had eight picks (including two compensation picks) in the 2026 draft, via Tankathon.

The Broncos lose some WR depth by moving Vele, but he was likely going to have fewer targets anyway.

Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. are entrenched as the Broncos' No. 1 and No. 2 WRs. Wideouts Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant have looked like breakout candidates in the preseason. 

Franklin, a 2024 fourth-rounder, has seven receptions for 85 yards and two TD catches through two preseason games. Bryant, a 2025 third-rounder, has six receptions for 91 yards in two preseason games. 

This trade is another questionable move by Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, who has struggled to build a winner since Payton left after the 2021 season. The franchise hasn't made the playoffs since the 2020 season.

Loomis should've known not to trust his former coach. The Super Bowl champion wants to continue finding ways to win, even if it means potentially fleecing his old team.