New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Chris Olave suffered another concussion during the final game of the Dennis Allen Era, taking a nasty shot to the head after quarterback Derek Carr threw a hospital ball over the middle of the field. Concussions are always a dangerous injury, but it’s especially worrisome for the former first-round pick. Since entering the league, Olave has suffered at least four concussions, including two in the 2024 season alone. According to interim head coach Darren Rizzi, the wide receiver will consult with specialists before deciding on his NFL future.
#Saints WR Chris Olave will consult with specialists after suffering his second concussion this season and the fourth documented one in his career.
Interim HC Darren Rizzi said: "He wants to go thoroughly through the process and make sure he’s making the best decision for Chris… pic.twitter.com/uAzbf9G7VG
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 7, 2024
Based on this report, this concussion could spell the end of Chris Olave in the NFL. Only time will tell what will happen to him, as concussions are arguably the most dangerous long-term injury a player can endure. However, if we assume Olave returns to the field, it might not be with the Saints. Following the injury, Olave’s brother took to Twitter, saying that these injuries “ain’t worth it in Nola [New Orleans],” which heavily implies a trade. Assuming there are no long-term concerns about his health, the New England Patriots or Los Angeles Chargers could pursue him in the offseason.
Patriots, Chargers Could Trade For Chris Olave After Latest Concussion
The New England Patriots have their quarterback of the future in third-overall pick Drake Maye. Taking over for an ineffective Jacoby Brissett, the UNC product has been the lone bright spot on an otherwise terrible offense. Singlehandedly accounting for just about every yard this offense produces, Maye has overcome subpar receivers, atrocious blocking, and even worse coaching to infuse some life into this offense. With the quarterback position addressed, the Patriots must spend the offense making life as easy as possible for the next face of their franchise.
The best way to do that is with a Chris Olave trade. Outside of maybe Demario Douglas, New England does not have a reliable option at wide receiver. While the team has the most projected cap space in the league next year and could easily pursue someone like Chris Godwin, they need more than one player to field a competent offense. On track to hold the first-overall pick in the NFL Draft, New England could trade their first-round pick to the quarterback-needy Saints for Olave and their first-round pick. This will give New England multiple reliable pass-catchers and allow them to select an offensive lineman with the Saints pick.
Offensive Firepower For Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert battled through injuries early in the year but is back to playing like an elite quarterback. Armed with second-round pick Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, the Chargers passing attack has been one of the most efficient in the league on a per-play basis over the past few weeks. While McConkey looks like the real deal, Johnston owes a sizable chunk of his production to busted coverages and might not live up to his first-round pedigree. If he’s best in a supporting role, then Olave and McConkey could give Herbert one of the best receiver trios in football.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh operates a run-first offense and might not want to pay a premium for Chris Olave, especially after his latest concussion. However, the potential here is too good to ignore. Justin Herbert is an elite quarterback but has never simultaneously had reliable weapons and coaching. That could happen in 2025, and this combination could turn the Chargers into legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Main Photo: Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports
