Who Should I Start? Devaughn Vele or Arian Smith

Friday, June 12, 8:28 AM

Across 13 games in 2025, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele recorded 25 catches for 293 yards and two touchdowns on 39 targets. Vele played a minimal role in his team's passing game early in the year, but he emerged as a larger piece after the Saints traded wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks at the 2025 trade deadline. Across a four-game stretch from Week 12 to Week 15, Vele recorded 19 receptions for 236 yards and a score on 26 targets. However, Vele suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 15 and may now be facing another uphill battle for playing time in New Orleans in 2026. The Saints were aggressive in pursuing wide receiver talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, using a first-round pick on Jordyn Tyson and day three selections on wideouts Bryce Lance and Barion Brown. Although Vele is only in his third NFL campaign, he's already entering his age-29 season and likely offers limited upside for dynasty managers.