Facing competition from rookies

Vele (shoulder) faces increased competition for playing time and targets after the Saints used three picks on wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

New Orleans used the No. 8 overall pick on Jordyn Tyson, who figures to start alongside Chris Olave from Day 1, and later on the Saints took Bryce Lance in the fourth round and Barion Brown in the sixth. Acquired from the Broncos during the preseason last summer, Vele appeared in 13 regular-season games for the Saints, making seven starts, and produced a 25-293-2 line on 39 targets. Following the trade of Rashid Shaheed to Seattle, Vele became a starter but was injured in Week 15 and missed the final three contests. Capable of playing the slot or outside and on special teams, Vele should have a role in 2026, but the target competition is much stiffer.