Chris Olave Trade Rumors Downplayed By Saints HC, 'Wouldn't Worry too Much About That'

After recent trade speculation surrounding New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, head coach Kellen Moore told fans not to read into the rumors too much.

Moore said that Olave's name has been in trade rumors because "people want good players."

“I wouldn’t worry too much about that,” Moore told reporters during his press conference on Thursday. “We feel really, really good about Chris. He’s had an excellent offseason, he’s had an excellent career so far and he’s going to have an excellent future.”

Last month, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were discussing a trade for Olave, noting that those trade discussions were at an "extremely preliminary level."

Pittsburgh making a move for Olave would have made sense after it traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, leaving the Steelers with a hole to fill at the WR2 position behind DK Metcalf, but it seems New Orleans has no interest in parting ways with him this offseason.

Olave had a phenomenal start to his NFL career, recording 1,042 receiving yards and four touchdowns as a rookie and 1,123 yards and five touchdowns in his second year, but injuries delayed his growth in Year 3 last season.

Olave played just eight games in 2024 because of a pair of concussions, ending the year with just 400 yards and a touchdown.

Though his head injuries are a concern, Olave remains the Saints' WR1 heading into the 2025 season, and they really can't afford to be without him, given their lack of talent at the position.

Keeping Olave is also a salary cap-friendly option since he's still on his rookie contract and will only count for $6.131 million against the cap. That kind of contract is important to a team like New Orleans that will be in the negatives in cap space next year, per Spotrac.

The Saints could be more willing to trade Olave this time next year. They've already exercised his $15.493 million team option, so he'll no longer be a budget option like his now. Unless New Orleans can save money elsewhere, it could be worth finding a trade for Olave next offseason.

For now, the Saints will look for Olave to have a big fourth season and avoid major injuries. The future in New Orleans doesn't look that bright at the moment, but a productive season for Olave would be at least one positive.