Category: Chris Olave

What does the future hold for Chris Olave?

Between uncertain contract status, concerning injury history, and a new coach on the way, what does the future hold for New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave?

Change is in the air for the New Orleans Saints, and some of it might impact the best players on their roster. Between uncertain contract status, concerning injury history, and a new coach on the way, what does the future hold for Chris Olave?

The Saints must make a decision by May 2 on whether or not to pick up Olave’s fifth-year option, which is estimated at $15,161,000. He’s already under contract for the upcoming 2025 season. The question is whether to pay him like a top-15 player at his position in 2026, or to risk letting him walk away as a free agent. The franchise tag could be in play but it’ll be even more expensive than his fifth-year option. It’s going to increase from this year’s estimate of $25,693,000, which is top-five among wide receiver salaries.

So Olave’s long-term outlook is in doubt before we even get to his health. He’s one of the younger players on the team (he’ll turn 25 this summer) but has already suffered a series of concussions, including two in 2024. He’s given every indication he plans to keep playing football but those are serious brain injuries. He was limited to a career-low 32 catches and 400 yards in eight games because of it. Recurring concussions, or even the concern for them, can end a career. Some of Olave’s family members have already spoken out against him putting his body on the line for a team with no future.

And then you’ve got a new coach coming in, with the Saints expected to hire Kellen Moore after his duties as Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator conclude in Super Bowl LIX. On the one hand, Olave’s presence should be an attraction for a young, offensive-minded coach like Moore. That’s exactly the type of talent he’ll need to get the most out of his system. On the other hand, there may be other players Moore views as better fits for the role Olave would have in his offense. Rashid Shaheed was outproducing him last year before they both went down with injuries. For his part, Olave is excited about the prospect of working with Moore and says he plans on being a better version of himself for whoever is coaching the team.

We shouldn’t dismiss a trade out of hand. If the Saints have doubts about Olave’s health, future contract value, or fit in the offense they could look to get something back for him. One team that makes sense? The Houston Texans, who are working around the clock to support franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud and Olave played together at Ohio State and remain close. The Saints traded up in the 2022 draft to get Olave because they felt he was their missing piece. That was the wrong read on their situation. If they’re going to embrace a rebuild (and they should), sending him to a contender and getting back some draft picks back makes sense. Houston controls their own picks in each of the first four rounds. While they swung and missed in a trade for Stefon Diggs last year, they could try again with Olave. If the Saints can possibly get a first-round pick back for him, they owe it to themselves to look into it.

Ideally, none of this comes to pass. You’d hope for Olave to stay healthy and produce well in new offense before signing a long-term contract extension to keep playing in New Orleans. But things rarely go according to plan in the NFL. His career to this point has been proof of it. And with a critical juncture ahead this offseason, we have to assume anything could happen for No. 12.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Chris Olave on Kellen Moore potentially becoming his next coach: ‘That’s huge’

If Chris Olave’s reaction is any indication, Kellen Moore would be popular in the New Orleans Saints locker room:

As the New Orleans Saints head coaching search enters into its final stretch, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has become the name most linked to the job, at least among the media as well as in league circles. With so much attention on the city of New Orleans right now with Super Bowl LIX looming, many media platforms have chosen this time to share many thoughts about the possibility of Moore becoming the Saints’ next head coach.

If Chris Olave’s reaction is any indication, Moore would be a popular fit in the locker room. The Saints receiver weighed in on Moore and the idea of potentially getting a coach with experience in the big game.

“That’s huge,” said Olave, acknowledging that he’d seen Moore’s name mentioned with other candidates in this cycle. He continued, “Just to have somebody that has reached the Super Bowl and who has a possibility to win it comes in and be the next head coach, that’s huge. I’m excited to see who the next head coach is, I’m going to be a better version of myself to try and help them win.”

Olave, who is coming off an injury-riddled third year, is looking to bounce back after two straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career. The idea of getting a young and innovative offensive mind in the building should bring a ton of excitement to a team that has struggled since the days of Sean Payton and Drew Brees. Finding someone who cannot only command a room and call an offense, but can maximize the potential of his players will be a crucial factor when it’s all said and done. It’s clear that Moore has a lot of credibility for what he’s achieved in Philly. Let’s see if the Saints can seal the deal.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Chris Olave says he feels ‘regular’ after season-ending concussion

Chris Olave missed the last eight games with a concussion. The wide receiver shared an update on his health and steps he’s taking for next season:

Chris Olave’s 2024 season was heavily compromised by concussions. The New Orleans Saints’ lead receiver has suffered a concussion every year he’s been in the NFL, and this year he suffered two concussions that kept him out for nine games.

From this point on, concussions will be concern for the wide receiver. Olave’s history makes it hard not to think about it when watching him play, similar to Tua Tagovailoa. Olave will take a look at changing helmets next year in an attempt to lower his chances of future concussions.

In his post-season interview, Olave said he felt, “regular” a couple of times and stated he felt “No symptoms, as far as concussions symptoms since I’ve been hurt.”

Every player isn’t lucky enough for symptoms not to linger, so that’s an extremely positive update. The decision to not return to the field was purely about the future.

Olave did come back to practice but was never activated. He explained: “It’s about long-term health, and that’s what I was worried about these last few games.”

It was the correct step. Darren Rizzi always stressed the Saints would prioritize the person over the player, and this is an example of that. After sitting out the remainder of the season, all signs point to him having a healthy offseason and taking the proper preventative steps for next year.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Opinion: Saints should sit Chris Olave for the remainder of the season

Chris Olave has returned as a full participant at practice, but he shouldn’t play another game for the Saints this season. His long-term health is more important:

The Dallas Cowboys shut down CeeDee Lamb for the final weeks of the season due to a shoulder injury, and if they’re smart, the New Orleans Saints should take a page out of their book and shut down their top receiver, too. Dallas is out of playoff contention, just like New Orleans, but Chris Olave is practicing unlike Lamb.

Olave was projected as a full participant on Wednesday’s injury report. That was Christmas Day, so there was no practice which meant it was the expectation from the team medical staff. The projection was accurate, and Olave was a full participant when the Saints stepped out for Thursday’s practice. Olave remains on injured reserve.

New Orleans opened Olave’s return window last week, and he began practicing. This feels like the progression to returning to the field. If it isn’t, then it brings up one question. What’s the point of him practicing?

Is this supposed to be a sign of his progress? Darren Rizzi telling media Olave was good enough to play would have sufficed. But there’s something to be said for letting him run routes at practice and get his legs back under him before the season ends. That beats watching his teammates work from the sideline.

Olave suffered two concussions this season, and this is becoming a repeated occurrence for the young player. The last concussion was a scary one. This is a situation that has to be treated delicately.

New Orleans doesn’t have anything to play for as a team, and he’s in a much more comfortable place than other young players. This feels like a time to sit Olave down even if he’s pushing to play.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Chris Olave ‘in a good place’ after second concussion in 2024

Saints coach Darren Rizzi said this week that Chris Olave is “in a good place” after his second concussion of 2024. But he’s no sure thing to return this season:

Has Chris Olave already caught his last pass with the New Orleans Saints this season? It’s certainly possible. The standout wide receiver suffered two concussions in his first eight games and was put on injured reserve, and there’s currently no timetable for him to return to the field. At least not in pads and a helmet. Olave was spotted at the Saints practice facility this week spectating and dapping up teammates, but he’s not ready to run routes and take on contact.

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi shared an update on Olave’s status after practice on Tuesday.

“He’s still going through that whole process. He’s met with a bunch of people, he’s got another meeting coming up here next week. He’s met with some different specialists throughout the country,” Rizzi said, adding that Olave had another specialist visit lined up later this week. “He’s in a good place.”

The soonest Olave could return is Week 15’s home game with the Washington Commanders (which would set him up for a matchup with his former teammate Marshon Lattimore), but that might be overly ambitious. Rizzi emphasized that Olave’s wellbeing, not his availability on the field, is the greater concern here. A rapid series of brain injuries like this can have serious, lifelong implications.

“Him and I the last couple days had great conversations. He’s feeling a lot better. With that kind of injury, you just want to make sure you’re doing the right thing by the person,” Rizzi continued, “We’ll have a lot more information on him next week.”

So we’ll see if Olave returns this year, but it’s clear his coach won’t be rushing him back into action. That’s the right approach. If Olave decides to put his body in harm’s way again, that’s his decision to make. Kudos to Rizzi and the team for recognizing that.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Chris Olave still consulting specialists to treat his concussion symptoms

Chris Olave has dealt with many concussions in his New Orleans Saints career. His most recent injury has him visiting with specialists:

Chris Olave was seen at practice on Tuesday, but that isn’t necessarily a sign of his return being imminent. By the sounds of things, the New Orleans Saints wide receiver missing the remainder of the season is still a good possibility.

Darren Rizzi shared an update on Olave’s progress: “He’s met with a bunch of people, he’s got another meeting coming up here next week. He’s met with some different specialists throughout the country.”

New Orleans is rightfully being cautious with Olave, who is currently on injured reserve.

Olave suffered a concussion against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. It was his second concussion of the season and fourth of his three-year professional career. The severity may have been the same, but the aftermath of this one looked the worse visually of all his concussions.

Rizzi insists Olave is in a good place. With emphasis being on the person over the player, that’s a positive sign. This upcoming meeting appears to be a big one in understanding what Olave’s immediate future looks like. The Saints will “have a lot more information on him next week.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Chris Olave officially placed on Saints injured reserve

Chris Olave has officially placed on the New Orleans Saints injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next four games:

The New Orleans Saints are placing Chris Olave on injured reserve. This doesn’t necessarily end his season, but it does guarantee he will be out for at least the next four games.

The Saints have a bye week coming soon, so it’s important to note Olave has to miss four games, not four weeks. He won’t be eligible to return until Week 15 against the Washington Commanders if he returns at all.

Darren Rizzi has spoken about prioritizing Olave the person over the player. That’s an important and correct stance when it comes to concussions. Placing him on injured reserve keeps him from trying to rush back to the field. There should be legitimate conversations on whether it is worth it to come back for Olave long term.

Olave has suffered four concussions in his professional career, including two this year very close to each other. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Olave miss the remainder of the season.

Saints wide receiver to go on injured reserve, may be done for the year

Multiple reports say Saints wide receiver Chris Olave is expected to go on injured reserve. He may be done for the year after his second concussion in 2024:

This was the development we expected, but that doesn’t make it any less tough to reckon with. The New Orleans Saints are expected to place wide receiver Chris Olave on injured reserve Saturday, per multiple reports — NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill first reported the news, which was confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

It’s a tough blow to a Saints receiving corps that’s already undermanned with the loss of Rashid Shaheed to season-ending knee surgery. There’s a possibility Olave’s year could be finished, too. He’s suffered two concussions this season and four in his NFL career. That many brain injuries in so short a time may carry serious long-term health ramifications for him.

So keep an eye out. Veteran backup Cedrick Wilson Jr. has been dealing with an injury, too, so the only healthy wideouts on the Saints’ 53-man roster this weekend are Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mason Tipton, and Jermaine Jackson. Expect at least one of Equanimeous St. Brown, Dante Pettis, and Kevin Austin Jr. to be promoted from the practice squad soon.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Injured reserve is ‘on the table’ for Saints star wide receiver

Injured reserve is ‘on the table’ for New Orleans Saints star Chris Olave. Four concussions in just three years is a lot for the wide receiver to consider:

Chris Olave won’t be active when the New Orleans Saints kick off with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and there’s at least a possibility the star wide receiver won’t play another down this season. Olave suffered the fourth concussion of his brief NFL career last week, which can have long-lasting impacts on his health and wellbeing.

All that’s certain is that Olave has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game. Beyond that, who can say?

“Everything’s on the table,” interim head coach Darren Rizzi said Friday, when injured reserve came up as a possibility for Olave. That determination hasn’t been made yet and Olave is still meeting with concussion specialists and team doctors before making a decision.

A stint on injured reserve would last at least the next four weeks, sidelining Olave for three home games with the Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Rams as well as the bye in Week 12. But if he’s still feeling symptoms and struggling with this brain injury, the better move could be to end his season altogether. We’ve reached a point where his career in pro football should be considered seriously. Stay tuned for further updates.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Chris Olave carted off after scary hit vs. Panthers

Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was carted off on an immobilizing stretcher after a scary hit from Panthers safety Xavier Woods:


This is the worst thing to see in an NFL game. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was carted off on an immobilizing stretcher after a scary hit from Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods. Derek Carr’s pass sailed too high for Olave to catch it and the wideout was sandwiched between Woods and the Panthers defender covering him. He remained motionless on the turf after the collision.

Players from both teams crowded around as the medical staff attended to Olave, as did Saints coach Dennis Allen. It’s an awful situation. Olave raised his arms after he was placed on the cart, which is a great sign, but he’s already suffered three concussions in his brief NFL career. He practiced this  week with a unique Guardian cap over his helmet and considered wearing it into the game, but ultimately chose not to. Few players do.

Hopefully this wasn’t as serious as it looked, but Olave shouldn’t be expected to return to this game against the Panthers. Stay tuned for updates.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]