Overview

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the deal on August 20, with multiple outlets confirming the trade ahead of next week’s 53-man roster deadline and the teams’ preseason finale in New Orleans.
• Vele, a 2024 seventh-round pick out of Utah, posted 41 receptions for 475 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie while logging significant snaps in Denver.
• The 27-year-old receiver (6-foot-5, 210 pounds) brings size to a Saints group that returns Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed and recently added Brandin Cooks.
• Denver’s move reflects confidence in its emerging receivers — Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant and Marvin Mims — after a strong preseason and camp evaluations.
• New Orleans has yet to name a starting quarterback between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, and Vele is expected to serve as a contested-catch and red-zone target in Kellen Moore’s offense.