Chris Olave Nears Completion of Career-Best Season Amid Contract Talks

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is coming off the best season of his NFL career. He achieved 1,163 receiving yards, nine touchdowns, and 100 receptions, all career highs. These accomplishments occurred over 16 games.

Olave’s performance was notable because of his past injury issues and because he worked with a rookie quarterback. His success was timely, as he is in the last year of his rookie contract. Although the Saints have exercised his fifth-year option, promising him about $15.5 million in 2026, a larger contract is anticipated.

As training camp begins, a new deal remains unresolved. General manager Mickey Loomis remarked that discussions are ongoing, but certain details require attention. “We’re having a lot of discussions,” Loomis stated in the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “We’re just not there yet. We’re hopeful… We want to get it done. Chris and his agents, Jason and Drew Rosenhaus, I know they want to get it done. We all do, but it’s got to be right for both parties.”

The Saints recently used their first-round pick, eighth overall, on receiver Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State. The team has also solidified other positions by securing quarterback Tyler Shough and offering running back Travis Etienne Jr. a four-year, $52 million contract. Additionally, they agreed to restructure Alvin Kamara’s contract to retain him in New Orleans.

Under head coach Kellen Moore, known for his role as an offensive coordinator, the Saints are focused on creating a balanced offense. Olave plays a vital role in this strategy. At 26 years old, he shows potential as a top receiver in the NFL when healthy.

There is optimism for a future agreement, as Loomis mentioned, but both parties need to agree on a fair value. Spotrac estimates Olave’s market value to be around $32.3 million annually. This figure places him among the league’s top-paid receivers, alongside Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and D.K. Metcalf, who earn between $33 million and $35 million.