Chris Olave’s Contract Negotiations with the Saints

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave recently completed his most successful NFL season. He achieved 1,163 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns from 100 receptions. Olave, who has faced injury issues in previous years, played 16 games and excelled even with a rookie quarterback. This performance is timely as he enters the last year of his rookie contract. The Saints exercised his fifth-year option, set to pay him about $15.5 million in 2026, but Olave is due for a larger contract.

Despite the start of training camp, a new deal has not been finalized. General manager Mickey Loomis acknowledged that some details need resolution. “We’re having a lot of discussions,” Loomis shared with 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 used their first-round pick, eighth overall, to select Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson, one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. With young quarterback Tyler Shough and running back Travis Etienne Jr., who signed a four-year, $52 million contract, the team shows its commitment to a balanced offense. The Saints also restructured Alvin Kamara’s contract, ensuring his stay in New Orleans.

Head coach Kellen Moore, a former offensive coordinator, is dedicated to developing a cohesive offense with Olave as a key component. At 26, Olave has proven himself as a capable No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL when healthy. A deal seems likely, but both parties must agree on terms reflecting Olave’s worth without limiting the team financially.

Olave’s market value is approximately $32.3 million annually based on Spotrac estimates. This would place him among the highest-paid receivers, alongside Justin Jefferson ($35 million), CeeDee Lamb ($34 million), and D.K. Metcalf ($33 million).