The New Orleans Saints finalized a contract extension with wide receiver Chris Olave on Thursday, securing the young receiving threat for the long term. The deal spans four years and is worth up to $132 million, with $90 million guaranteed. Since the fifth-year option on Olave’s original rookie contract was already exercised, the new agreement begins in 2027 and extends through the 2030 season, keeping the former No. 11 overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft in New Orleans.
Olave arrived with the Saints as a first-round prospect and has consistently produced since his arrival, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in each of his three healthy seasons. His injury history presents the primary concern, as he has dealt with four concussions across his first four NFL seasons. Despite the health risks, the organization moved forward with the extension, positioning Olave as the sixth-highest-paid wide receiver in professional football.
Throughout his tenure with New Orleans, Olave has maintained strong productivity despite significant turnover on offense. He has played under three different offensive coordinators and worked with numerous quarterbacks over his four seasons. The latter part of the 2025 season brought stability when the Saints won four of their final five games, with Olave forming a strong connection with quarterback Tyler Shough in Weeks 16 and 17, combining for 18 receptions totaling 267 yards and three touchdowns across those two contests.
Olave concluded the 2025 season with career-high statistics, recording 1,163 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns while achieving second-team All-Pro honors. He became only the second player in Saints history to record at least 100 receptions in a season, joining Michael Thomas in that distinction. The Saints have also added running back Travis Etienne in free agency, further developing an offensive unit that appears positioned to compete in the wide-open NFC South division.
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