Chris Olave’s Standout Season and Contract Negotiations

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave achieved significant milestones last season. Accumulating 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 100 receptions, he hit career highs while participating in 16 games. This performance came despite previous injury concerns and working with a rookie quarterback.

Olave is nearing the end of his rookie contract with the Saints. Although the team exercised his fifth-year option, securing him for around $15.5 million in 2026, a larger contract negotiation remains unresolved. As training camp begins, discussions between Olave, his agents, and the team have yet to yield a conclusion.

“We’re having a lot of discussions,” general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed via 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 have taken steps to strengthen their roster. They selected Jordyn Tyson, a top receiver from Arizona State, with their eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, they boast a promising young quarterback, Tyler Shough, and have secured running back Travis Etienne Jr. with a four-year, $52 million agreement. A restructuring of Alvin Kamara’s contract ensures his place on the team as well. Head coach Kellen Moore is focused on developing a balanced offense, with Olave playing a crucial role.

Olave has shown the ability to be a leading receiver in the NFL. At 26 years old, he continues to demonstrate critical value to the team. Though it seems a deal will be reached, a fair agreement is necessary to avoid financial constraints on the team. Spotrac estimates Olave’s market value at about $32.3 million annually, placing him among the league’s highest-paid receivers alongside Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and D.K. Metcalf.