The value screams the Broncos had to do it. Still, treating Devaughn Vele as a luxury for a team trying to win its first division title since 2015 is dangerous.

Given a day to process the Devaughn Vele trade move and prepare his remarks, Broncos coach Sean Payton explained the combination of interest in Vele and a need to narrow down the receiver room led to the deal.

Vele was the Broncos’ seventh-round draft pick in 2024 and had a breakout role in Sean Payton’s offense. The 6-foot-5 wideout would start in 7 games with Denver, bringing in 41 receptions for 475 yards and 3 touchdowns.