New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave agreed to a four-year contract extension worth up to $132MM, securing $90MM in total guarantees according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal carries a base value of $124MM, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, positioning the fifth-year pass catcher among the highest-paid offensive players in the league.
Contract Breakdown and Receiver Market Ranking
Olave averages $31MM to $33MM per year depending on the valuation metrics used, placing him firmly in the upper tier of NFL wide receivers. According to Mike Garafolo, his base average sits at $31MM, making him the 10th-highest-paid wide receiver in the league, while Adam Schefter’s figures push his average to $33MM and rank him sixth in total value, guarantees, and average salary. The agreement features $52.7MM in fully guaranteed money at signing, ranking ninth at the position, and delivers just under $90MM in cash flow over the next three years.
Negotiations and Training Camp Hold-In
The extension followed weeks of dialogue that intensified over the summer. Josina Anderson of The Exhibit reported that talks were heating up between the front office and Olave’s representation. Olave expressed confidence early in June that an agreement would materialize before training camp. While the deal took longer than anticipated—prompting Olave to hold in at the start of camp—general manager Mickey Loomis affirmed the team’s stance on Tuesday by stating, “We want to get it done,” according to NewOrleans.Football. Just two days later, both sides finalized the terms.
Draft Class Precedents and On-Field Production
Mickey Loomis traded up to select Olave at No. 11 overall after the Atlanta Falcons drafted Drake London at No. 8 and the New York Jets selected Garrett Wilson at No. 10. Wilson and Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba also recently secured major second contracts. Wilson signed a four-year, $130MM deal, while Smith-Njigba landed a four-year, $168.6MM extension.
Despite playing with inconsistent quarterback play and battling health concerns, Olave has recorded 291 catches for 3,728 yards and 19 touchdowns across 55 games. He overcame four documented concussions since entering the league—including a stretch in 2024 where he admitted to mulling retirement—to post career highs in 2025. Over 16 games last season, he hauled in 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns, earning a second-team All-Pro nod while establishing a rhythm with second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.
Health Hurdles and 2026 Outlook
Olave faced additional adversity late last year when a blood clot in his lung forced him off the field for the season finale. Although his recovery window stretched past initial projections, he successfully stopped taking blood thinners and received official medical clearance to participate in training camp this week. The Saints previously demonstrated confidence in his recovery by exercising his $15.49MM fifth-year option for 2026.
Did you know? Mickey Loomis utilized the No. 8 overall pick in the recent draft on wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, pairing a premier rookie prospect with Olave to bolster the offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total value of Chris Olave’s contract extension with the Saints?
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the four-year extension is worth up to $132MM, with a base value of $124MM reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
How much guaranteed money does Chris Olave receive?
The deal includes $90MM in total guarantees, with $52.7MM fully guaranteed at signing, per Mike Garafolo.
Where does Olave rank among highest-paid NFL wide receivers?
Depending on the specific metrics used by analysts, Olave ranks between sixth and tenth in average annual salary and total value among NFL wide receivers.
What health issues did Olave overcome prior to this deal?
Olave recovered from multiple concussions that sidelined him during the 2024 season and managed a blood clot in his lung that kept him out of the Saints’ season finale before receiving full clearance for training camp.
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