The New Orleans Saints have had quite a roller coaster of an offseason. It's been headlined by the shocking retirement of former Saints quatrterback Derek Carr after the veteran suffered a serious shoulder injury last season.
But not everything has to be negative for the Saints. In fact, they still have time to take a step in the right direction this offseason.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently suggested the Saints and other teams would be trying to sign their 2022 NFL Draft picks to contract extensions as the "next domino to fall" in the NFL. For the Saints, this would be signing wide receiver Chris Olave to a massive new deal.
"Wilson, Olave, Atlanta Falcons wideout Drake London and Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams are among the young receivers from the 2022 class who could get new deals this offseason," Knox wrote. "Their respective teams could race to extend them too, given the next-man-up nature of contracts—whoever signs last is quite likely to be paid the most.
"And the 2022 class wasn't just strong at receiver. Lions pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Jets corner Sauce Gardner, Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton and Cowboys lineman Tyler Smith are among Pro Bowlers from the class who could demand market-leading contracts."
Olave has a history of concussions, specifically with the Saints, so New Orleans might be a bit wary about giving him long-term money.
But Olave is the only pass catching option on the Saints worth mentioning. He's far and away their best target and if the Saints are going to have any success with Tyler Shough at the helm, he's going to need Olave out wide for more than just one season.
Kellen Moore Thinks Saints Have 'Advantage' With Chris Olave
There were some wild rumors about New Orleans Saints star Chris Olave over the last week or so.
Reports surfaced that the Pittsburgh Steelers showed interest in Olave. Almost immediately afterward, other reports surfaced confirming the Steelers' interest but also making it clear the Saints weren't going to move Olave. While this is the case, it didn't stop writers from sharing wild mock trades left and right involving Olave.
He isn't going anywhere. There's really no other way to say it.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore was asked about Olave on Thursday and he had a lot of praise for the young receiver and said he will be an "advantage" for the team in 2025.
"Chris is a really smooth player," Moore said. "You see it out there. Just an excellent, big-time receiver in this league. I think we all know that. Just getting to see him and his ability to move around and play a number of positions and lineup in a number of ways will be an advantage for us...
"Obviously, Chris has gone through the injuries over the recent pass. He's navigated that very well. He's playing excellent football right now. So, he'll be fine."
Olave is a 24-year-old playmaker who is in line to be the team's clear No. 1 starter. Moore is an offensive whiz and has had success with No. 1 receivers in his coaching career so far with CeeDee Lamb, Keenan Allen, and AJ Brown. Olave is the next guy on the list and could have a big season ahead.
