Peoples-Jones was officially released on Thursday, a day after the Saints traded a fourth and sixth-round draft pick to the Denver Broncos for Vele. Peoples-Jones did not have a catch in either of the Saints' first two preseason games.

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.

The Saints added to their receiver room ahead of the regular-season opener Wednesday, acquiring Devaughn Vele in a trade with the Broncos, who received two future draft picks in return.