Despite drafting Jordyn Tyson in this year’s first-round pick, the latest New Orleans Saints rumors could project the team may lose pass-catcher Chris Olave before a new contract materializes. Olave, a former first-round pick, missed the majority of his 2024 season due to a scary injury that almost ended his NFL career. Luckily, the receiver had a bounce-back campaign, finishing 2025 with a career-best 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 100 catches. While the Saints are figuring out a new deal for the WR, they’d have to remember where their roster stands.
What this means is the Saints are still rebuilding, and after selecting Tyson, could he be positioning himself to be WR1? It’s speculation for now, as no one has seen how he can perform on the field in a new offense, especially in the NFL. While Olave is ranked No. 64 in the NFL Top 100 players, what kind of contract will he receive? Is he willing to take any type of deal?
It’s something to think about. However, nobody should anticipate seeing the team giving him a contract in the market of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb. The pass-catcher still has that injury that might’ve dwindled his value, but he should be getting a decent deal.
Saints Rumors: Contract Delay May Lead to $35M Blockbuster Trade
Panic During Training Camp?
If the Saints can’t come to terms on a new deal before camp, expect speculation. New Orleans has been known for being cash-strapped for several years, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see the receiver disgruntled if he receives a deal he doesn’t like. The last thing they’d want is their top receiver to hold out for a new deal, especially in Tyler Shough’s first year as a starter.
The Saints already have receiver issues after DeVaughn Vele. After trading away Rashid Shaheed to Seattle last season, the team never truly established a WR2, which is why they got Tyson in the draft. If the Saints can’t act quickly, these three teams could generate interest in the receiver right before the season.
Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
This might be the best solution for the Kansas City Chiefs’ pass-attack. QB Patrick Mahomes is no longer the same healthy, mobile pocket-passer, so the team needs to surround him with talented receivers. Xavier Worthy isn’t going anywhere after showing improvement, but Rashee Rice is fighting for his job this upcoming season. Despite missing the postseason last year, the Chiefs are still a championship-caliber offensive roster.
TE Travis Kelce will leave in 2027, but they still have promising receivers behind Rice and Worthy in Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Royals, but potential can only go so far.
Final Proposal: Chiefs get Chris Olave, while New Orleans acquires Rashee Rice, Jalen Royals and a fifth-round pick.
Indianapolis Colts
Meanwhile, the Colts are still mulling a WR3 behind Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. Despite extending Pierce this offseason, he underwent surgery and probably won’t be fully healthy come Week 1. Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are fighting for the final starting receiving spot, but they need a huge upgrade here. Why not allow Downs to focus on the slot and pump the brakes to get another true playmaker alongside Pierce?
Final Proposal: Colts get Chris Olave, while New Orleans acquires a 2027 and 2028 first-round pick.
Baltimore Ravens
WR Zay Flowers is also in the same position as Olave, but the Baltimore Ravens aren’t trading him. However, Rashod Bateman could be out the door if he doesn’t improve in 2026. This would leave an inexperienced group of former 2026 draft selection Ja’Kobi Lane and former 2024 selection DeVontez Walker to hold the front lines in the slot. Getting another veteran WR won’t solve the biggest issue on hand, so here’s the final proposal.
Final Proposal: Ravens get Chris Olave, while New Orleans acquires Rashod Bateman and a 2027 first-round pick.
