Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Call it an “alpha personality,” a “playmaker”, a “game-changer” or whatever you like, the New Orleans Saints have a desperate need for an impact player or players on offense.
The defense can always add that kind of contributor, but with so many young and developing pieces on that side of the ball, the team can afford to remain patient to see how development goes.
On offense, however, the Saints are staring down the barrel of several recent or soon-to-be contract extension talks with players that must prove they can make things happen now.
The NFL is a very unforgiving business. One that tends to move quickly. New Orleans is one of the more patient organizations in the league and is in a rebuilding phase that allows for more understanding. However, the team also wants to win games. With the way that its potential playmakers have been performing this year, those aspirations of reining victorious over opponents will continue to evade the team.
Chris Olave Missed Some Important Opportunities
Wide receiver Chris Olave had a few important moments in the team’s 25-19 loss to the New England Patriots where he could have either put points on the board or helped to extend a drive with go-ahead potential. In two cases, he registered drops. The fourth-year wideout will need to show that he can make the plays a top pass-catcher is expected to make, especially with a second contract in his sights.
Just So Close pic.twitter.com/NVcwMyApCq
— Boot Krewe Media (@BootKreweMedia) October 12, 2025
Despite not being able to complete a couple of big plays, Olave’s quarterback Spencer Rattler has not lost faith in the speedy wideout’s abilities.
“I’m not worried about him,” Rattler said Sunday. He’s one of our best guys, our top guy, and we’re going to keep getting him the ball. We rely on him and our confidence is high in him.”
Simultaneously, Olave caught six passes for 98 receiving yards on the day, leading the way for New Orleans with the bulk of his production coming in the first half.
Juwan Johnson’s Fumble Squanders Late Shot At Lead
Tight end Juwan Johnson is a perfect example of how quickly things can change. Early in the season, he was the team’s leading receiver in terms of yardage. On Sunday, his game was defined by a fumble in the middle of the field when the Saints had a chance to drive and take a late lead.
This play was called a completed pass on the field. It was overturned on review to a fumble pic.twitter.com/aZsqyTccrS
— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) October 12, 2025
“It is what it is,” Johnson said of the fumble after the game. “I thought I had it, but I didn’t. The Refs officiated, they said it was a fumble. So, it’s a fumble. The one thing I can do is go into this week really focused on holding the ball properly. I should have went in holding it a little tighter, going in with two hands and we wouldn’t even be having this conversation right now.”
Unlike Olave, Johnson already received his contract extension this past offseason. He took a deal that has paid him like a top-15 tight end in the NFL and with that will continue to be expectations of making a difference for the offense.
Both players are examples of where the Saints could find what they need in the current crop of talent. However, if they can’t prove to be that, New Orleans could be in position to land impactful contributors at each position in the offseason.
More Positions Can Use Impact
One of the possibilities that could yield the Saints some playmaking potential is that players already on the roster rise to the occasion in big situations.
Beyond wide receiver and tight end, the Saints should prioritize adding or developing game-changing talent at running back, cornerback, and pass rusher — players capable of making impact plays in critical moments.
The Saints got another strong performance out of Rattler on Sunday against the Patriots. But the team’s inability to extend drives once in enemy territory, as well as secure touchdowns rather than field goals, has and will continue to hamstring its potential for success.
This isn’t unique to Olave or Johnson. The same is true for any players across the roster that could be game-breakers. If the Saints can’t find those players in the building, the “help wanted” signs will need to start going up once New Orleans begins its transition to the offseason soon after the New Year.
