Chris Olave, Saints have ‘clear communication’ despite trade rumors

METAIRIE, La. — New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave isn’t oblivious to the swirling rumors suggesting a potential trade, even if he isn’t glued to social media. The buzz surrounding him and running back Alvin Kamara was unavoidable, permeating the internet as the NFL’s trade deadline on November 4th looms large. With the Saints grappling with a dismal 1-6 record, Olave acknowledges that his name is bound to surface in trade discussions.

However, the 25-year-old Olave exuded confidence when addressing reporters about his future in New Orleans. He revealed that discussions regarding a potential contract extension have been ongoing for several months, and the team has maintained open lines of communication with him.

"That’s all I’m confident about. Clear communication. I see what’s going on. We’re on the same page," Olave stated following the team’s disheartening 26-14 loss to the Chicago Bears. His words suggest a sense of security and alignment with the Saints’ front office, despite the external noise.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis confirmed that the team has received inquiries about several players, though he refrained from disclosing specific names. Loomis emphasized that any potential trade would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. "We’ll look at each thing individually. We’ll discuss it," Loomis said. "But I’m not in the business of trading away good players unless the deals are just too good to refuse." This statement suggests that while the Saints are open to listening to offers, they are not actively seeking to offload valuable assets like Olave.

The trade rumors even prompted Brandin Cooks, who was traded away from the Saints in 2017 before returning this season, to offer Olave some advice. Cooks urged him to focus on his performance and disregard the external chatter. "And the advice is things in the front office, you can’t control. It’s also a compliment when teams are calling for you and willing to offer whatever the case may be, so that should give you that confidence, that boost, that you’re a top dog in this league because people are calling for you. Just control what you can control, go to work, be the best you can possibly be," Cooks said. Cooks’ words highlight the flattering aspect of being a sought-after player, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus amidst uncertainty.

Assuming the mantle of the team’s primary receiving target has presented both opportunities and challenges for Olave. He embraced the responsibility of being the Saints’ No. 1 receiver after Michael Thomas’s release, dedicating himself to improving his contested catches and becoming a more effective blocker.

However, Olave’s progress was hampered by two documented concussions, one of which prematurely ended his 2024 season. The concussion, his fourth known one in his four-year NFL career, occurred on November 3rd during a game against the Carolina Panthers. After a brutal hit, he was placed on a backboard and transported to the hospital, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. He finished the season at eight games, two of which he played a combined 10 snaps.

During his recovery, Olave consulted with concussion specialists and reflected on his future in the sport. "We’re blessed. It’s not a common job. You can look at the record, you look at the negative stuff, but at the end of the day we’re grateful to be healthy," Olave said. "Go out there and play for each other. I had a season-ending injury last year, so kind of changed my perspective on things. And even through the bad games, the good games, I’m just thankful to go out there and grateful to be able to have [that] opportunity." Olave’s perspective underscores the importance of health and gratitude in a demanding profession.

Now fully recovered, Olave is under the spotlight in 2025. He faced criticism for dropping two passes in a Week 6 loss to the New England Patriots. With 10 targets in that game, Olave acknowledged that such usage demands a higher level of performance.

"I feel like they all should have [been caught]. That’s how I look at it. I hold myself to the highest standards," Olave said. "Any ball that’s in my radius, I feel like I can catch. … At the end of the day, I feel like it’s all I work for. I worked so hard to be able to be in this position, to be able to get these main targeted games. Got to take advantage of it. When the ball comes my way, I’m going to be prepared." Olave’s self-critical assessment demonstrates his commitment to excellence and his determination to capitalize on opportunities.

Despite those mistakes, Olave believes he has found his rhythm one-third of the way through the season. He delivered one of his best performances of the season against the Bears.

"He stepped up and made some great contested catches, and I know there was a lot of talk about him last week and he just showed he’s still Chris, he’s a dog," Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler said. "So, we rely on him a lot and [we’ve] got full confidence in him." Rattler’s praise highlights Olave’s resilience and his importance to the Saints’ offense.

Olave recorded 98 receiving yards in each of his past two games and scored the Saints’ only touchdowns against the Bears. One touchdown came two plays after a 57-yard pass from Rattler in the final minute of the first half. The other opened the second half of the loss, marking the first two-touchdown game of his career.

"CO played awesome in this game … made some big plays downfield, the two touchdowns, the explosive play downfield, the 50-plus yarder," Saints coach Kellen Moore said. "I thought he responded really, really well." Moore’s positive assessment emphasizes Olave’s impact on the game.

Through seven games, Olave has 44 catches for 440 yards and three touchdowns, surpassing last season’s marks of 32 catches for 400 yards and a touchdown.

However, while Olave’s individual performance has improved, the team has struggled in Moore’s first season, with only one win through Week 7 – the Saints’ worst start since 1999. Additionally, the Saints will be without center Erik McCoy and running back Kendre Miller after they suffered season-ending injuries.

The remainder of the season will undoubtedly be challenging, but Olave hopes to build on the positive aspects of the Chicago game, both for himself and the team, while attempting to block out the trade rumors.

"That’s what I expect out of myself man. That’s just what everybody expects being the type of player I am," Olave said. "So I just got to build on it at this point. It’s terrible losing the game, being 1-6, but I feel like we had some good things in this game. I feel like we could build on that." Olave’s words demonstrate his determination to improve and contribute to the team’s success, despite the difficult circumstances.

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