The New Orleans Saints knew they had one of the worst wide receiver rooms in the NFL, but they decided to take a very unusual path to fixing it when they acquired an older role player in Devaughn Vele via a trade that was widely seen as an overpay.
Despite the fact that Vele is so old he will turn 28 during his sophomore season and modest production with the Denver Broncos last year, New Orleans felt confident enough in his skillset to trade a fourth-round pick (which will likely be very high in the order) to make sure they bring him in. As is the case with any new addition, there will be some players who lose their spots as a result.
Former standout receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones signed with the Saints as he tries to prove he is still worthy of a roster spot in the NFL. The addition of Vele creates yet another player in between Peoples-Jones and a 53-man roster spot, which puts even more pessimism in the air.
Saints might move on from Donovan Peoples-Jones after Devaughn Vele trade
The 6-5 Vele, who caught 41 passes for 475 yards and three touchdowns with Denver last year. That production will push Peoples-Jones, Mason Tipton, and Cedrick Wilson down the depth chart. If the Saints keep six wide receivers, Tipton and Wilson seem like safer bets right now.
Peoples-Jones was once one of the more promising young receivers in the AFC after stitching together some solid seasons with the Cleveland Browns. However, the former Michigan star has flamed out since being traded to the Detroit Lions, catching five passes since the trade and not suiting up at all in 2024.
DPJ thought he made a great decision by joining New Orleans, as he would go to a team that was lacking wide receiver talent and was being run by one of the game's more creative passing game minds in Kellen Moore. What he didn't count on was Mickey Loomis overpaying for someone like Vele.
The Saints became a more respectable offense with the Vele trade despite the very high price tag, though it make take them out of the business of resurrecting Peoples-Jones. Let's just hope Peoples-Jones is only renting in the New Orleans area.
Update: The Saints have released Donovan Peoples-Jones. Head coach Kellen Moore said this roster move directly correlated with the trade for Vele, as the Saints had to make room for the new acquisition.