Who Should I Start? Malik Washington or Devaughn Vele

Monday, September 15, 10:07 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington had a highlight reel play in Week 2 against the Patriots, returning a punt for a 74-yard touchdown. The second-year receiver finished with only one catch for two yards on two targets and added three carries for 23 yards as well. In a positive sign for his future production, Washington's snap percentage increased from 58% in Week 1 to 61% in Week 2, while the rest of the periphery receivers all saw their snap counts drop. Washington is clearly the third receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and he could continue to work his way into a larger role in an offense searching for answers after a 0-2 start. One important factor to watch this week with Washington, though, is that he did show up on the injury report with a thumb injury and was listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice estimation. If he plays on Thursday against the Bills, he has dynamic upside as a playmaker, so keep an eye on his status this week.

Wednesday, August 20, 7:13 PM

The New Orleans Saints have acquired wide receiver Devaughn Vele from the Denver Broncos for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round selection. Vele was a seventh-rounder in 2024 who exceeded expectations as a rookie, catching 41 of 55 targets for 475 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games. However, the former Utah standout's role in the Denver offense diminished late in the season as Marvin Mims Jr. started receiving more targets. With Mims, Courtland Sutton, and Troy Franklin all returning and rookie third-rounder Pat Bryant coming in this year, the Broncos have decided to move on from Vele for a solid return on investment. Going from Bo Nix to either Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough will be a major downgrade at quarterback for Vele, but he could be a bigger part of a Saints offense that doesn't have much at receiver after Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks.