Saints’ Chris Olave on verge of franchise first

By Ross Jackson

After a career-high receiving yards game, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave joined an exclusive group of some of the franchise’s best players in single-season production.

Olave’s Already Among an Elite Group

Olave joined former offensive playmakers Michael Thomas, Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston and Joe Horn as the only players in Saints history to top 90 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. It’s Olave’s third year as a 1,000-yard wideout. 

But with two favorable matchups on the way at the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons, the Saints’ star receiver has a chance to pull off first in the Saints’ near 60-year history before the 2025 season is over.

Setting Himself Apart With Franchise-First

With just eight more catches and two receiving touchdowns, Olave would become the first player in franchise history to reach 100 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns catches in a single year. He would also become only the fifth Saint ever with double-digit touchdowns in a season.

This Season Almost Didn’t Happen

Not bad for a player that contemplated retirement after facing concussion challenges last year.

“It was a tough time last year,” Olave said after his career-best 148-yard receiving performance. ”I was only 24-years-old contemplating retirement. Especially with the head injuries. But I prayed about it. My close family was around me. They stuck by my side and I just gave it another try, another chance and it’s been a great year.”

The Saints sure are happy he chose to eschew retirement possibilities and injury concerns. Olave confirmed in the same interview after the Jets game that there has been “clear communication” on contract extension talks, an extension that he’s earning with each game he plays this year. 

The receiver also has a fifth-year option for next year, as well.

Milestone Could Solidify Future In New Orleans

Against the Jets, it was clear that he would be the top option in the passing game. Wideout Devaughn Vele has been shut down for the season and previously running mates are now on other teams. Despite that, Olave still raised a new bar of production for himself.

Achieving this 100/1,000/10 milestone would only further his bid to remain in New Orleans. Which is exactly what he wants for his next career step.

“This is where I want to be, man,” Olave said. “[The Saints], they took a chance on me. They traded up in the draft to be able to come get me. They’ve been nothing but good to me. They [were] here for me last year when I was going through that tough time. They told me to take my time. They stood by my side. Even this year when [head coach Kellen Moore] came in, he still believed in me through the ups and downs. He kept coming to me and I’m super grateful for that and I can’t thank the organization enough for that.”