Saints Secure Chris Olave With Four-Year, $132 Million Extension

The New Orleans Saints have finalized a four-year contract extension with Pro Bowl receiver Chris Olave valued at $132 million, featuring $90 million in guaranteed money. Olave’s holdout from the team’s training camp, prompted by his desire to secure a long-term deal before the 2026 season, concluded with the Saints agreeing to his demands ahead of potential free agency in 2027.

The 2022 first-round selection will earn approximately $33 million annually under the new agreement, positioning him among the NFL’s elite pass-catchers in terms of compensation. This marks the franchise’s most lucrative receiver contract since Michael Thomas signed a five-year deal with an average of $20 million per season in 2019.

Olave’s performance during the recently completed season provided clear justification for the investment. The Ohio State product recorded career highs across 16 games, accumulating 1,163 receiving yards, 100 receptions, and nine touchdown catches after the Saints installed second-round draft pick Tyler Shough as their starting quarterback.

The Saints view Olave and Shough as foundational pieces for future success, bolstering their offense by adding running back Travis Etienne Jr. and pairing them with returning Pro Bowl back Alvin Kamara. Adding 2026 first-round pick Jordan Tyson from Arizona State at receiver, the offensive weapons are designed to fuel a playoff push after missing the postseason since 2020.