Devaughn Vele's trade from Denver to New Orleans for a 2026 fourth and a 2027 seventh signals a broader market for wide receivers that Jacksonville is watching closely. Payton indicated Jacksonville was among the teams that called, suggesting the Jaguars may be weighing a WR upgrade despite having a solid group at the moment. The top of Jacksonville's depth chart remains Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, and Trenton Irwin, with the 5th and possibly 6th spots unsettled and waivers looming as roster cutdowns approach. Coen's offense values size, blocking, and motion versatility, which could narrow the field to a handful of veterans and players who can contribute on special teams. The Vele trade thus becomes a telling data point in a WR market that could shift quickly as teams finalize rosters.
Jacksonville's current internal four—Thomas Jr., Brown, Washington, and Irwin—are expected to lead the pass game, but the team may still chase a boundary-stretcher or a big-bodied option to complement the group. A fifth or sixth role would likely go to a player who can contribute on all phases, including special teams, while offering blocking and run-after-catch ability. With Cephus released with an injury designation, the door could open for a waiver-claim or a late trade, depending on how the cuts unfold and how aggressively Gladstone pursues upgrades outside the organization.
Overall, the Vele move and Jacksonville's reported interest frame a shifting WR landscape heading toward Week 1 rosters. Fantasy players should monitor waiver activity, as a surprise addition could alter target distribution and create late-round upside or fill-in-week value as the 53-man roster settles.