The New Orleans Saints are navigating a challenging season, standing at a disheartening 1-8 halfway through the 2025 NFL season. This constitutes their worst opening since 1980. In response, the organization is taking stock of its short term strategies and looking ahead at long term openings. So far, the team sits last in the league for time of possession. They rank 29th in total offense and 31st in scoring offense, proof that it’s time to get serious and make some critical changes.
Given their pain, the Saints have executed a myriad of trades focused on creating opportunities for growth across the lineup. These moves are a departure from their recent past, a change in priorities as they regroup for the second half of the season. The team signed wide receiver Devaughn Vele off the Denver Broncos’ practice squad. In exchange, they received a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. The Saints are anxious to jumpstart their offense. With Vele slated to receive the bulk of the playing time, a new eagerness and attitude should be injected into practice and games.
The Saints’ choice to trade Rashid Shaheed. He was their primary deep threat and an All-Pro kick returner in 2022. In exchange, they got back a pair of fourth and fifth-rounders in 2026. Shaheed’s departure is a significant blow to the team’s offensive capabilities, but the front office sees a silver lining in the draft capital gained.
Plus, Isaiah Penning was traded for a 2027 sixth-round pick, continuing to stock the Saints’ war chest of future assets. The team now has a rich harvest of international money and draft picks available for use in the 2026 draft. This is comprised of first, second, third, fourth and sixth-round selections along with two fifth-round picks. This utilization of strategic planning sends a powerful message about their desire to not only rebuild but to grow talent from here.
They are well aware of what needs to be corrected. Retain the original hook to this story, which is of special relevance.
“Obviously results are the most important part of it, but you’ve got to make sure our process is going in the right direction,” – Kellen Moore
That kind of confidence, defensive end Cameron Jordan said, is what’s different about this year’s team from the past few. He noted a renewed sense of understanding and collaboration among players.
“Last year it felt like we were devoid of energy. I won’t say hope, but this year, it’s just like we understand what we have to do and it has to be a we thing,” – Cameron Jordan
Head coach Jeff Traylor and quarterback Tyler Shough both of course hated to lose someone like Shaheed, but understood the business side of the equation. Dierking is optimistic that Vele will flourish as lead planner in this new role.
“It’s obviously a tough loss [losing Shaheed], but at the same time you understand the business side of it and understand what we’re trying to do,” – Tyler Shough
As the team continues to prioritize creating future star players, the importance of Vele becoming a seamless fit into the offense can’t be overstated. Shough emphasized the opportunity this gives Vele to prove himself.
“It’ll be a great chance for Devaughn Vele to kind of get some action and I think we’ve been trying to do as much as we can up to this point,” – Tyler Shough
With these shifts implemented, the Saints hope to reenergize their strategy for the upcoming season’s second half. The next slate of games will establish their roster now for sustained success in seasons to come. The combination of newly acquired draft picks and increased opportunities for young players symbolizes a commitment to building a more competitive team.
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