By Ross Jackson
The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly called the New Orleans Saints, inquiring about a trade for fourth-year wide receiver Chris Olave. A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed that while that call may have happened, the team is in no hurry to move off of its young asset.
That decision says a lot more about the Saints and their future plans than just looking to retain talent.
The Saints are often criticized for holding on to veteran players too late into their careers. At one point the habit was written off as trying to extend the club’s championship window.
But after that window thrust shut following the retirement of former quarterback Drew Brees, the practice continued almost out of necessity due to the drop in NFL salary cap related to the COVID-19 season.
This refusal to be tempted to move a young star is a display of solid decision-making that flies in the face of past criticism.
The Saints are ready to build a young core.
The team retained 26-year-old edge rusher Chase Young this offseason, used all nine of its draft selections and shifted latter-career players to incentive-laden agreements and pay reductions.
The decision to keep Olave in the building follows the same trend. At just 24 years of age and entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 2022 first-round selection is the team’s top pass-catcher going into this season. A season with a first-time head coach and new, young starting quarterback.
Just a reminder that Chris Olave is that guy.
📺 https://t.co/KlYFEtTVGF pic.twitter.com/oTXrYivsMS
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 27, 2025
Yes, Olave has dealt with health concerns related to multiple concussion since entering the league, but New Orleans clearly feels comfortable enough with him to not take an easy path of giving up on the young talent who piled on two consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start his career.
“From the medical side, on my side it’s just education and understanding the circumstances he is in,” said head coach Kellen Moore of Olave’s health progress. “Obviously we feel very comfortable about Chris, understand he’s been through a lot the last year or two. We feel like there’s a plan in place to continue to let him progress. Certainly I get the feeling that he’s really, really excited about this opportunity.”
As well he should be. Every one of Moore’s offenses throughout his career as a play caller has yielded at least one 1,000-yard wide receiver. Olave is the player that could keep that streak going.
Before selecting the wide receiver, the Saints were on a two-year drought of producing a single player to hit that mark, regardless of position.
The Saints are headed in a new direction that looks to be more willing to lean on young talent. The team’s willingness to spurn the offer of the Steelers, signals that Olave is a big part of that new direction.
