‘I think it’s going to get done soon’
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave understands the business side of the NFL, but he also recognizes the team’s need for significant improvement after last season. Despite ongoing contract negotiations between his agent and the team’s front office, Olave chose not to skip voluntary OTAs. He attended the first two days and made it clear that he’s all in on helping the Saints prepare for the 2026 season.
“I’m committed to winning, man. We haven’t been winning here these past four years since I’ve been here,” Olave told reporters on Thursday. Between his high school career and his time at Ohio State, his teams have lost more games with the Saints (27-41) than the rest of his football life put together (68-17). Showing up and working every day is the best path he has to fixing that.
Many players skip the voluntary portion of the offseason to focus on contract extensions and pay raises, but Olave refused to let his situation become a distraction. For the 25-year-old wide receiver, contributing to what the Saints want to do remains his No. 1 priority: “One player doesn’t really affect the game. They’re always looking for somebody to replace you, so I’m committed to winning, first of all, and I feel like I’m a team player.”
Olave acknowledged that he’s prioritizing his contract extension, but stressed the importance of separating business decisions from the team’s primary objective: winning football games. The 2022 first-round pick expressed optimism that a deal would be reached soon.
“The contract is a whole different side of the game,” Olave said. “It’s the business side. I feel like we’re going to come down to that before training camp. I hope we do, so we don’t affect the chemistry and stuff going into training camp. But I think it’s going to get done soon.”
For the Saints, keeping Olave engaged and present throughout the offseason is significant, especially as they try to establish their identity under head coach Kellen Moore. Second-year quarterback Tyler Shough also appreciates Olave’s attendance, handing out strong praise for his approach and offseason development: “I’ve been working with him this whole offseason. He’s looking better than I’ve ever seen him. His speed, his change of direction, his conditioning, it’s been amazing so far.”
Olave’s talent and impact are evident, but his value as a veteran leader for the Saints’ young receivers is just as important. New Orleans drafted Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson at pick No. 8 in the 2026 NFL Draft and added North Dakota State’s Bryce Lance, a receiver with significant potential. Olave’s attendance, motivation, and leadership are crucial for the development of these younger players and the health of the wide receiver room — and he shows no sign of slowing down.
