Saints end WR Chris Olave's hold-in with massive extension

WR Chris Olave extension locks in key Saints offensive weapon for seasons to come

The Saints have renewed hope entering 2026 thanks to quarterback Tyler Shough's promising rookie season, and the front office did a solid job improving the talent around him this offseason, signing running back Travis Etienne and guard David Edwards in free agency and selecting former Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Olave, 26, will be crucial to a potential turnaround, too, and developed a quick rapport with Shough a season ago. In only the 2025 second-round pick's second start, Olave notched his first 100-yard game of the season in an upset 17-7 win at the Carolina Panthers. He added two more 100-yard games in Shough's starts, finishing the eight-game span with 48 receptions, 660 yards and six touchdowns — a 17-game pace of 102 receptions, 1,402.5 yards and 13.8 touchdowns.

With that type of production in future seasons, Olave could provide enormous value even at his elevated price tag. Per Spotrac, his deal is for the same length and amount as the extension signed by Pittsburgh Steelers wideout DK Metcalf, 28, last offseason. Olave's contract also comes in less than Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London, who earned a four-year, $141.1M extension in June, and significantly lower than Seattle Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba's market-setting deal (four years, $168.6M).

When Olave joined the Saints as a rookie, he arrived during a time of transition, catching passes from the likes of Andy Dalton, Jameis Winston and Derek Carr while still posting back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns.

Things have changed.

With Shough completing his first full offseason at quarterback, Olave might just be getting started. And thanks to his extension, a promising Saints core can gel for seasons to come.