Saints Pursue Chris Olave Extension Amid Health Concerns

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis told reporters on July 28 that the team and wide receiver Chris Olave remain “having a lot of discussions” about a contract extension, but no agreement has been reached. Loomis emphasized that any deal must be “right for both parties.”

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Olave is entering the final year of his rookie contract after a breakout 2025 season in which he posted career highs. The Saints’ front office noted his recent health issues—a blood clot in his lung that limited his offseason and a history of multiple concussions—as “an element” in the negotiations, though they affirmed his readiness for a full workload. The franchise previously faced a similar free-agency scenario with Rashid Shaheed, opting to trade him rather than lose him for no compensation.

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• 100 receptions on 151 targets

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• 1,163 receiving yards (11.6 yards per catch)

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• 9 touchdowns and 292 yards after catch

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• Pro Football Focus receiving grade: 79.7 (overall PFF grade 78.0)

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• Played 625 pass snaps in the 2025 season

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Loomis repeatedly stressed the uncertainty of the talks. He said:

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• “We’re having a lot of discussions,” — Mickey Loomis, saints general manager

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• “I hate saying that [I am optimistic] when it comes to negotiations because it seems like sometimes when I’m pessimistic, they get done, and when I’m optimistic, they don’t,” — Mickey Loomis, saints general manager

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He added that both Olave’s agents, Jason and Drew Rosenhaus, share the desire to finalize a contract, but the timing remains unsettled.

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If the parties cannot agree, the Saints have indicated they may explore trade options rather than risk losing Olave without compensation. Analyst Mark Powell of FanSided outlined a possible scenario in a July 26 article: the Saints could trade Olave to the Buffalo Bills for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick, noting the team’s need for additional draft capital after losing three 2027 selections. The trade discussion mirrors the earlier Shaheed move and would depend on the Saints’ performance heading into the trade deadline.

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