Saints WR Chris Olave makes stance know amid trade rumors
As the New Orleans Saints undergo a significant transitional period, wide receiver Chris Olave has stepped forward to offer a much-needed dose of optimism. Despite swirling trade rumors and uncertainty about his long-term future with the team, Olave made it clear that he remains committed to the franchise. In fact, his recent comments suggest he envisions himself as a central figure in the Saints’ rebuild.
This offseason has marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Saints. Longtime quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement, closing the book on a brief but impactful tenure in New Orleans. In response, the team is turning to a new era under the leadership of first-time head coach Kellen Moore, who joins the Saints after stints as an offensive coordinator in Dallas and Los Angeles. Adding to the intrigue, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is now in a strong position to start under center in Week 1.
All of these changes have naturally led to speculation about the future of key players, including Olave. The 24-year-old wideout, who has already established himself as a dynamic receiving threat, is entering a critical stretch of his career. With a club option looming in 2026 and unrestricted free agency possible shortly thereafter, some have wondered whether the Saints will look to trade him and acquire more assets for the rebuild.
But Olave isn’t buying into the noise. Speaking in an interview with Saints sideline reporter Jeff Nowak, the former Ohio State star dismissed the rumors with confidence and reaffirmed his desire to remain in New Orleans for the long haul.
“It’s all rumors, man… everybody trying to have something for clicks,” Olave said. “I love it here, man. I love the front office. I love my coaches. I’m excited to be here, and I want to be here forever. This is where I want to be.”
These comments not only reflect Olave’s loyalty but also hint at his belief in the direction the team is heading. Even as the Saints lower expectations for the immediate future, Olave’s leadership and talent could play a crucial role in helping the franchise regain relevance.
A New-Look Saints Team with Uncertain Expectations
Heading into the 2025 season, the Saints find themselves without the familiar burden of “playoffs or bust” expectations that once defined the post-Drew Brees era. And that might actually work in their favor. The franchise hasn’t reached the postseason since Brees retired, and the focus now seems to be on building a sustainable foundation rather than making a quick playoff push.
Olave, despite a challenging 2024 season marred by multiple concussions that limited him to just eight games, remains one of the most promising offensive weapons on the roster. In his first two years in the league, the 2022 first-round pick surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in each season, establishing himself as one of the league’s top young receivers. He brings a rare combination of speed, route-running precision, and deep-threat ability—traits that could be invaluable to a rookie quarterback like Shough.
While the Saints could conceivably explore trading Olave to accelerate their rebuild with more draft capital, doing so would remove a proven and still-young asset from their offense—something that may hurt more than help in the short term. For a developing quarterback, having a go-to target like Olave on the outside is critical. His presence on the field not only stretches opposing defenses but also creates opportunities for other playmakers, such as veteran running back Alvin Kamara.
Kamara, despite aging and dealing with his own ups and downs, remains a versatile threat in both the running and passing games. With Moore’s offensive creativity and a retooled offensive line, the Saints have a foundation that could be molded into a competitive unit sooner than many expect.
A Manageable Path Forward
Looking at the schedule, the 2025 Saints won’t face an overwhelming gauntlet. Only four of their opponents made the playoffs in 2024, giving them a manageable path to show improvement—even if a postseason berth is a stretch goal. More importantly, Kellen Moore’s offensive acumen and ability to maximize skill players could help reignite the unit’s spark.
There’s also a sense that the locker room is embracing the challenge. With players like Olave voicing their support for the organization, it creates a culture of accountability and belief—essential traits for any team in transition.
In the end, the Saints may still be a year or two away from returning to contention, but signs of progress will matter just as much as wins in 2025. If Tyler Shough shows promise under center, if Moore’s offense starts to click, and if stars like Olave and Kamara continue to lead by example, the franchise could finally be turning the corner after several years of mediocrity.
For now, Olave’s commitment is a bright spot in a landscape filled with change. His passion for New Orleans and desire to remain with the team long term could make him a cornerstone of the rebuild—and possibly a reason the Saints start believing in the future again.