Devaughn Vele has become one of Saints' most reliable weapons in 2026

The New Orleans Saints got some bad news in August, when first-round pick Jordyn Tyson was placed on the temporary injured reserve for a hamstring injury. Luckily for them, Devaughn Vele has shined in the role as WR2 at the start of the season. Earning his own nickname, the former seventh-round pick has come out of the gates running in 2026.

Through the first two games this season, Vele has made himself known on late downs. Donned "third-and-Vele" by New Orleans.football's Nick Underhill, 57% of his 133 receiving yards this season have come on the aforementioned down. His most impressive catch so far this season has even come on third down, when he made an aggressive contested catch pushing the team past midfield.

Saints WR Devaughn Vele has become one of the more reliable players on the offense

Vele's performance gets more impressive when you look and realize that he's been building on each flash or spark he's had. Arguably more reliable in week two than in week one, his 147 offensive snaps is the most out of any receiver on the Saints right now. Along with 16 targets through two weeks, Vele has been on fire to start the season.

Kellen Moore is certainly a fan of what he's managed to do so far this season. "Ve just does so much for us. He makes big-time catches, but, you know, on Chris Olave’s touchdown, he kind of clears out the safety and creates the opportunity. In the run game, he has some big-time blocks," the head coach said to the media. "He’s just such a reliable player, and he's playing really, really good."

Vele's 2026 season could also be considered a continuation of the hot streak he had at the end of his 2025 season, where he had 19 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown through four games. If it wasn't for his shoulder injury, he could've had an even better end to last year. This season's role might even be long overdue because of it.

With Tyson not expected to be back until week five when the Vikings come to town, Vele still has ample time to keep building on this WR2 role. He's shown no reason for Moore to change anything yet, and during next week's game against the Raiders, he could solidify his third-and-vele nickname. If he makes it three straight eye-catching performances next week, the Saints officially have a three-headed monster with their receiving corps.

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