The New Orleans Saints made a significant move to secure their young talent, agreeing to a four-year contract extension with wide receiver Chris Olave valued at up to $132 million, as reported by his agents to ESPN. This deal includes a substantial $90 million guaranteed, solidifying Olave’s position among the top earners in the league.

The contract extension will take effect in 2027, following the Saints' decision to pick up Olave's fifth-year option on his rookie deal, ensuring he remains with the team until 2030.

Since being selected as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Olave has emerged as a key player, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three healthy seasons. However, his career has been marred by injuries, specifically four concussions in his first four seasons, raising concerns about his longevity. Despite these risks, the Saints have made him the sixth-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.

NFL’s Highest-Paid WRs

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks) - $42.2 million
• Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals) - $40.3 million
• Drake London (Falcons) - $35.3 million
• Justin Jefferson (Vikings) - $35.0 million
• CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) - $34.0 million
• Chris Olave (Saints) - $33.0 million

Despite facing changes in coaching and quarterback personnel, Olave has maintained impressive production. In just four years, he has played under three offensive coordinators and two head coaches, adapting to a variety of quarterbacks including Andy Dalton, Derek Carr, and Jameis Winston.

In the closing weeks of the 2025 season, Olave and quarterback Tyler Shough developed a potent connection, leading to a strong finish for the Saints with four wins in their last five games. Olave recorded 148 yards and two touchdowns against the New York Jets, followed by 119 yards and another score against the Tennessee Titans.

By season’s end, Olave achieved career highs with 1,163 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, and became only the second player in Saints history to log at least 100 receptions in a season, earning second-team All-Pro honors for his outstanding performance.