Chris Olave Signs Four-Year, $132M Extension with Saints

The New Orleans Saints signed wide receiver Chris Olave to a four-year contract extension worth up to $132 million, including $90 million in guaranteed money, according to agents Drew Rosenhaus and Jason Rosenhaus as told to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal ties the 2022 first-round draft pick to the franchise through the 2030 season and marks the largest wide receiver contract the organization has issued since Michael Thomas signed a five-year deal worth up to $20 million annually in 2019.

Contract Details and Offseason Negotiations

According to ESPN, negotiations between the Saints and Olave spanned nearly a year before culminating in the new agreement. Olave entered the offseason set to play out the final year of his rookie contract on a fifth-year option if an extension remained unreached. The financial commitment reflects his status as a core piece of the offense, though general manager Mickey Loomis noted that the player’s recent health history served as a variable during talks. The agreement resolved a minor hold-in that kept Olave limited to individual drills and walk-throughs during the early portion of training camp.

Overcoming Health Hurdles

Olave’s path to the extension included overcoming significant medical challenges over the previous two seasons. According to team officials, the receiver dealt with at least two known concussions during the 2024 campaign, culminating in a severe blow to the head against the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 10, 2024, that required a cart and a backboard. That injury sidelined him for the final eight games of the year and prompted brief considerations of retirement after consultations with outside medical specialists. He returned fully healthy for the 2025 season to post a career-best campaign with 100 receptions, 1,163 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns across 16 games. Shortly after that season concluded, Olave was placed on blood thinners following the development of a blood clot, though Loomis confirmed prior to camp that the wideout has been fully cleared for football activities.

Team and Player Reactions

Saints coach Kellen Moore addressed the business side of the negotiations during training camp, emphasizing the importance of open communication when contract discussions overlap with on-field preparations. “As long as we all communicate and we’re all on the same page, I think we always have to remind ourselves, everyone has the same goal,” Moore said following a practice session. Loomis praised Olave’s professionalism throughout the prolonged talks, calling him an absolute joy to have on the roster. Olave previously expressed gratitude toward the organization for standing by him during his health scares, noting in December that the franchise supported him through difficult circumstances and earned his loyalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the terms of Chris Olave’s contract extension with the Saints?

According to agents Drew Rosenhaus and Jason Rosenhaus, Olave signed a four-year extension worth up to $132 million, which includes $90 million in guaranteed money and keeps him under contract through the 2030 season.

How did health factors impact the negotiations?

General manager Mickey Loomis confirmed that Olave’s health history—which included multiple concussions in 2024 and a blood clot scare following the 2025 season—served as a variable during the contract talks.

How did Olave perform during the 2025 NFL season?

Coming off an injury-shortened 2024 campaign, Olave played 16 games in 2025 and recorded 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns.

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