Saints WR Could Be the Next Highly Paid WR

For years, it seemed as though Chris Olave was perpetually on the cusp of a major breakout. The New Orleans Saints star has long been recognized as one of the most explosive and dynamic playmakers in the league, possessing a rare combination of speed, route-running precision, and reliable hands. However, a series of injuries, coupled with inconsistent quarterback play, has prevented him from fully realizing his immense potential. This season, though, Olave appears to be shaking off those setbacks and is on pace to achieve career bests across nearly every major statistical category. Currently, he’s projected to tally an impressive 102 receptions on 161 targets, amassing a remarkable 1,128 receiving yards along with seven touchdowns. Such production underscores just how vital he has become to the Saints’ offense.

Given his emergence as a top-tier wide receiver, the Saints arguably made the right decision by holding onto Olave rather than exploring trade options before the deadline. His impact on the field and potential for further growth make him an invaluable asset heading forward. Reflecting his commitment to the franchise, Olave recently affirmed that an extension is “in the works,” emphasizing his desire to stay in New Orleans for the long haul: “I want to be in New Orleans forever,” a statement that Saints fans should be grateful for given the situation of the team in the post-Drew Brees era.

Olave’s situation bears a strong resemblance to what happened with the New York Jets and Garrett Wilson. Like Olave, Wilson has been a dynamic young receiver whose career trajectory has drawn significant attention. On top of this, they just so happened to be back-to-back picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. The Jets rewarded Wilson’s consistent rise by picking up his fifth-year option for the 2025 season and subsequently locking him into a lucrative four-year, $130 million extension ahead of the 2025 season. With that in mind, the Saints and Olave’s extension should be in a similar ballpark to what Wilson got. In any case, it remains to be seen just what will happen in this situation, but it would be best for both sides to come to a deal sooner rather than later with the ever-growing market of the NFL.