The New Orleans Saints are just as bad as everyone thought, and one NFL analyst believes they should trade everyone they can – including wide receiver Chris Olave. Now entering the fourth year of his career, the former first-round pick is probably the most valuable trade piece on the team’s roster. While he is a good player and only 25 years old, he has an extensive concussion history and will be a free agent following the 2026 season. He may not be in the team’s long-term plans, and even if he is, re-signing him won’t be cheap.
This, along with the team’s poor record, is why Jon Ledyard of the Audibles and Analytics substack believes the team should trade Chris Olave (and anyone else) for draft picks as the team builds for the future. Looking around the league, it’s hard to envision a better fit than the New England Patriots.
Patriots Could Trade For Saints WR Chris Olave
The New England Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye. While the former third-overall pick still makes the occasional boneheaded play, he ranks second in completion percentage, fifth in passing yards, ninth in passer rating, fourth in catchable-throw rate, eighth in EPA/play, and 15th in PFF grade. Seeing as he’s just 23 years old, New England should feel good about the quarterback position for the next decade.
Now it’s time for the Patriots to give him a legitimate weapon. While Maye has developed a rapport with Kayshon Boutte, this team needs an actual WR1 that can consistently win against a wide variety of coverages. Stefon Diggs is still returning to full speed, rookie Kyle Williams has hardly seen the field, and DeMario Douglas has been atrocious.
Chris Olave would easily be the best receiver Maye’s ever worked with, which is enough to justify a trade. While his presence would improve the team’s odds of making the playoffs in 2025, the fact that both players are still young means they could be a lethal duo for the next half-decade.
There is no bigger competitive advantage than a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract, and New England must make the most of Maye’s cost-effective deal. The Saints need draft picks to rebuild a depleted roster, and New England needs to capitalize on the next few seasons. A trade makes perfect sense for both sides, so don’t be surprised if something materializes in the coming months.
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