The New Orleans Saint spent all this capitol investing in their pass catchers during the early portion of the Kellen Moore era, but Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton isn’t satisfied. The Saints brought in Devaughn Vele in via trade before last season, and the team drafted Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance and Barion Brown this offseason.
Those moves aren't enough, so Moton campaigned for the team to make a trade for Joshua Palmer. Palmer spent a year in Moore's system with the Chargers. He averaged a career-high in yards per game that season, but that's not enough reason to make the trade.
This isn't the first time there's been a suggestion the Saints pick up a receiver. At least Keenan Allen has a long history of being one of the better receivers in the league. Palmer doesn't have that, so it's even more clearer this is about the team and not the player.
Devaughn Vele makes this trade make no sense for the Saints
This suggestion genuinely drives home the doubt at receiver despite actively bolstering the unit. Specifically, it reflects poorly on Devaughn Vele over anyone else. Moton specifically expresses the desire to safeguard against a Jordyn Tyson absence.Â
That’s what Vele is there for.
When Moton writes, "New Orleans can bring him in as veteran insurance if there are concerns about rookie first-rounder Jordyn Tyson's durability," one can only assume the team has no receivers to rely on after Chris Olave and Tyson.
Vele's two years in the league may not make him a veteran, but having the same amount of time in Moore's offense as Palmer is really the important part. Vele just played a year in the system and has a year under his belt with Tyler Shough specifically.
Vele is the type of player that isn't going to get a lot of attention outside of the local bubble just yet, but he showed why this trade was unneccesary at the end of the season when given playing time. Vele looked like a receiver fully capable of complementing Olave in a receiver duo. Tyson has a much higher ceiling, but the acquisition wasn't made because of a void in talent.
Shough trusted Vele in important situations such as third and long, and his plays against Miami, Tampa Bay and Carolina were some of the most important in the game. It was a short time frame, but it was the only that he saw significant playing time, showcasing Vele just needed opportunities. There's a reason Moore regrets not getting him involved earlier, and it's the same reason a trade for Palmer doesn't makes sense.
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