The New Orleans Saints have a chance at a better season in 2025 than in 2024.
If that ends up being the case, one guy who surely will be a big reason why is Chris Olave. It seems like some have forgotten how talented he is. Olave had over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons before concussions impacted his 2024 campaign. There have been ridiculous trade speculation involving him, but there's no reason to deal him.
If he can stay healthy, the perception around the team in general could change. He's that much of a game-changer.
Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame shared a column talking about the team and had Olave as the team's biggest potential "X-factor."
"Breakout player candidate/X-factor: Chris Olave, WR," Verderame said. "The question with Olave isn’t talent but health. A 2022 first-round pick, Olave has already notched 1,000-yard seasons despite underwhelming quarterback play and four documented concussions across three years. He returns after seeing the team pick up his option this offseason, giving him two years left on his deal.
"If Olave can stay on the field, he becomes instant offense for a Saints team in dire need of it. However, should Olave sustain another concussion or miss ample time for another malady, New Orleans could look to move on before the 2026 season."
He's one of the most talented young receivers in football. If he can stay healthy, then the offense is going to be much better overall than many are expecting.
Saints Kellen Moore Addresses Chris Olave Trade Rumors
The New Orleans Saints are entering a long-overdue rebuild, and some reporters across the league believe the team could trade wide receiver Chris Olave. A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product quickly became one of the league’s better wide receivers, posting consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in his first two years before injuries limited him to just eight games in 2025. Normally, young players at premium positions are building blocks for a rebuild, but Olave’s extensive concussion history makes him something of a long-term risk.
However, head coach Kellen Moore recently put the Chris Olave trade rumors to bed. During a recent interview, the former quarterback said that he “wouldn’t worry too much” about the rumors, which heavily suggests Olave isn’t going anywhere.
Kellen Moore: Saints Won’t Trade Chris Olave
A Chris Olave trade never made much sense given his current injury status. The wide receiver suffered two concussions last year and four since entering the league. If New Orleans dealt him now, they’d have to sell at a bargain. The smart move has always been to retain his services, hope he stays healthy, and either trade or extend him at this point next year.
With Olave officially in town, the wide receiver will join speedster Rashid Shaheed and old friend Brandin Cooks as the top options on the depth chart. While nobody will confuse this group with the 2007 New England Patriots, they should be able to support a young quarterback like second-round pick Tyler Shough or second-year veteran Spencer Rattler. New Orleans will struggle to win games in 2025, but the right wide receiver can help a young quarterback develop into a potential franchise savior.
