After the 2024 season concluded, there were many around the NFL that questioned whether or not it would be possible for New Orleans Saints’ wide receiver Chris Olave to play up to his true potential following
multiple injuries, limiting him to just eight appearances.
The Saints’ wideout had suffered at least two major concussions a year ago, taking that number to four total throughout his first three years in the league. With CTE a growing concern, especially within the world of professional sports, the repeated head injuries had Olave considering retirement at a relatively young age and soon into his career.
Fans and experts alike believed that the Saints would potentially deal Olave at some point while his trade value was still fetching some entertainers, but Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore felt confident in his abilities both on and off the field, keeping him around for the 2025 season. Could Olave become a true WR1 in New Orleans? Had he reached his peak already? Chris had plenty of doubters, but he would rebound this past year, performing bigger and better than ever.
The Ohio State product and 2022 first-round pick had a career best season in 2025. With one of the better offensive minds in the NFL at the helm and a true starting caliber quarterback behind center, Olave blossomed in the new Saints’ schemes. The star WR proved haters wrong en route to being named to the AP All-Pro second-team, a first-time distinction for Olave.
With Olave under contract for the upcoming 2026 season, both sides will once more engage in contract negotiations in hopes of signing him to an extension prior to becoming a free agent in 2027.
Final 2025 statline:
- 16 games played
- 100 receptions
- 1,163 yards
- 9 touchdowns
- 62-yard long catch
- 0 fumbles
