The Broncos had two teams that were “more than serious” about trading for Devaughn Vele and a third that inquired before Denver traded the second wide receiver to New Orleans for a

On Wednesday, the Denver Broncos shocked fans by trading away second-year wide receiver Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for picks. Vele had been running with the first-team offense and had started seven games as a rookie last year, and the Broncos really valued him.

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.