Chris Olave Contract Talks Discussed by Saints GM Mickey Loomis, 'We Want to Get It Done'

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis expressed a desire to sign star wide receiver Chris Olave to a contract extension on Tuesday.

During a press conference, Loomis told reporters that he is hopeful the two sides will be able to come to terms on a deal, saying, "We're having a lot of discussions. You have meetings and we're just not there yet. We're hopeful. ... We want to get it done. Chris and his agents, I know they want to get it done. But it's got to be right for both parties."

Olave is preparing to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 after the Saints exercised their fifth-year option. Olave is slated to earn a salary of $15.493 million, per Spotrac.

New Orleans selected Olave with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of Ohio State, and he has largely lived up to the billing over the course of his four-year career.

The 26-year-old wideout has reached the 1,000-yard mark three times with the lone exception being 2024 when he missed nine games due to multiple concussions.

There were concerns about Olave's health and long-term prospects after the 2024 season due to his history of head injuries, but he bounced back in a big way in 2025.

Olave played in and started a career-high 16 games, and he set career marks across the board with 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns.

The only game Olave missed came in Week 18 when he was forced to sit due to a blood clot in his lungs.

Per Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper, Olave was limited during the offseason because of the blood clot, but he is fully healthy now and ready for training camp.

However, Loomis admitted that Olave's history of injuries is "an element" of the discussions that are being had regarding a new contract.

While there is risk involved with making a long-term commitment to Olave, he has shown that he can be a hugely productive player when healthy, and he built a strong rapport with then-rookie quarterback Tyler Shough last season.

New Orleans did use the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft to take wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, and while he could be an insurance policy if the Saints lose Olave in free agency, having both of them moving forward represents the team's best chance at offensive success.