Report: Saints, Chris Olave working on long-term extension

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The NFL trade deadline is a popular time for trade rumors, of course. But it’s also often the time that player extension conversations start to heat up. Just one week after reports of talks being ongoing with cornerback Alontae Taylor’s representation, it appears New Orleans is keen on keeping another young star in the building, as well. 

Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Saints are interested in getting a long-term extension done with wide receiver Chris Olave. 

“The Saints have been trying to work out a long-term contract for receiver Chris Olave despite his name being attached to teams looking for pass catchers.”

Olave’s name has been bandied about in trade talks for some time. Even before the season began, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers were checking in on his availability. Despite that, Olave didn’t seem bothered by all of the rumors and talk when asked on Thursday. 

“I ain’t really been on social media but I know it’s cooking right now that we 1-5,” Olave said. “It’s always rumors; [the internet is] trying to always create some buzz, but I had conversations with the people in the building. So, I’m real confident.”

Initially, the “I’m real confident” comment was assumed to mean that he’s confident that he’s not likely to be traded. But with this report coming to light, one must wonder if what he’s actually feeling confident about is a new deal and a long-term commitment to and from the team. 

How things play out over the next few weeks will be interesting to watch. The NFL’s trade deadline falls on Tuesday, Nov. 4. If Olave isn’t traded by then, he and the Saints may be able to bring that extension home, if not done before the deadline.