The New Orleans Saints reunited with old friend Brandin Cooks on Friday in a move that could signal a potential Chris Olave trade. Despite a crowded free agent wide receiver market, Cooks earned a relatively expensive two-year, $13 million deal to be the third receiver on the offense – at least for the time being.
Former first-round pick Chris Olave is not the biggest fan of Derek Carr, and his extensive concussion history combined with his brother’s comments suggest he’d welcome a trade. Carr is not the worst quarterback in the NFL by any stretch of the margin, but one of his biggest weaknesses is his tendency to throw hospital balls. Seeing as Olave suffered two concussions last year alone, the Ohio State product could look for a new home, and the addition of Cooks will give New Orleans two starting-caliber wide receivers in the event Olave lands with a new organization.
Chris Olave Could Seek Trade After Brandin Cooks Signing
Possible Team Fits
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots spent big on defense during free agency, but they haven’t done enough to support franchise quarterback Drake Maye. Outside of right tackle Morgan Moses, the team has yet to meaningfully improve what was far and away the worst supporting cast in the league. Maye showed plenty of promise during his first year in the league, but he won’t survive with poor blocking and no real offensive weapons. Chris Olave would easily be the best receiver on this team, and the Patriots shouldn’t shy away from a trade to give their quarterback a real chance at success.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win in the trenches, which is why he spent up on running back Najee Harris and right guard Mekhi Becton. However, he still needs to improve the passing weapons, as Ladd McConkey is the only reliable part of this passing attack. Quentin Johnston is better in a depth role, and Mike Williams looked old during his time away from the Chargers. A Chris Olave trade would give the Saints two reliable wide receivers, which will only help this team compete in one of the league’s most competitive divisions.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have a collection of adequate role players surrounding MVP quarterback Josh Allen. While Allen is clearly good enough to create an elite offense with Khalil Shakir and second-round pick Keon Coleman, it wouldn’t hurt to give him a legitimate WR1 with a Chris Olave trade. Olave can win every route, Shakir can thrive in the slot, and Coleman can win in contested situations, giving Allen a well-rounded group of playmakers.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City’s wide receiver situation is in flux, as Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy could both miss time with suspensions. Even if they don’t, this team could use another set of hands. Patrick Mahomes is still great, but the offense wasn’t quite as dominant as usual last year. The team can’t keep relying on winning one-score games, so they must get someone like Olave who can help re-establish the deep and intermediate passing attack.
