New NFL Rumors on Chris Olave's Saints Contract Talks Ahead of 2026 Season

The New Orleans Saints are reportedly hoping wide receiver Chris Olave will be part of next week's training camp despite his ongoing contract negotiations.

NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill reported Saturday the Saints and Olave are continuing to discuss a new deal.

"The current expectation is that the status of those talks won't initially impact participation," Underhill reported.

Olave is currently signed through next season on the $15.5 million fifth-year option from his rookie contract.

The wide receiver said back in May he was hoping to sign a new deal before training camp, per WBRZ 2's Ben Dackiw.

"I feel like we're going to come down to that before training camp," Olave said in May. "I hope we do, so we don't affect the chemistry going into training camp, but I think it's going to get done soon."

The Athletic's Larry Holder reported more recently there is "an expectation" Olave should receive an extension before the start of the 2026 season.

Saints training camp runs from July 29 through Sept. 3 before the team kicks off the regular season against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 13.

The Saints already shored up their backfield this offseason by signing running back Travis Etienne Jr. and finalizing a restructured deal with running back Alvin Kamara.

Finding similar compromise with Olave will be key to coordinator Doug Nussmeier's hopes of building on an offense that ranked 13th in the NFL in passing yards last season.

Olave recorded a team-high 100 catches during that campaign while racking up 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdowns through 16 games.

The wideout missed Week 18 of the 2025 season after a scan revealed a blood clot in his lung.

Olave did not fully participate in OTAs last month. Saints coach Kellen Moore said in June the wideout's workload was still being monitored due to the health issue, per NOLA.com's Matthew Paras.

Underhill previously reported Olave would be cleared for contact after getting off blood thinners on June 29.

Olave played just eight games of a 2024 season during which he suffered multiple concussions.

Having Olave a full and healthy participant this season will be key to the Saints' hopes of taking a step forward in 2026 behind quarterback Tyler Shough.