NFL With just over a week left until the trade deadline, one of the top receivers being considered as possible trade candidates is Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints. Reports link Olave to the Bills, Eagles, Giants, Patriots and Steelers, among others.
On some level, the Saints waiving the 25-year-old wide receiver before the Nov. 4 deadline makes sense. New Orleans (1-6) remains one of the worst teams in the league, and their timeline for rebuilding the franchise into an NFC contender doesn't coincide with Olave's prime, which may be coming now. Additionally, he is only signed through the 2026 season. If a team isn't confident in its ability to extend Olave's contract, it would benefit from getting everything possible for him from a team in need of a wide receiver, with Super Bowl aspirations.
But with every game this year, Olave's price increases. The 6-foot, 187-pounder is enjoying a successful comeback season. After missing most of 2024 with multiple concussions, Olave leads New Orleans in the all-important receiving category, including receptions (44), targets (71), receiving yards (440) and receiving touchdowns (three). He's on track to set career records for catches and touchdowns.
Over the last two weeks, he had six catches for 98 yards against the Patriots and five catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears.
“I feel like I'm just getting into my groove, last game, this game,” Olave said after last week's game. “So I feel like it’s only going to get better.”
SportsLine player prop expert Alex Selesnik believes Olave is in for another big performance on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Selesnik, who has a 1014-805 rating and $3,003 gain across all prop options since joining SportsLine in 2021, Olave's total receiving yards were over 61.5 yards (-118). one of his top three props for players in Week 8 of the NFL season..
Selesnik notes that Olav has an advantageous matchup against the Pirates. Tampa Bay's defense is allowing 229.0 yards per game, which ranks 21st in the league. This defense will also be without pass rusher Haason Reddick (ankle, knee), who has already been ruled out, and possibly lineman Vita Vea (leg), who is questionable.
“Olave’s target share, route-running targets, first-read target and his expected points per game all point to untapped upside,” Selesnick said. “In a matchup against a Bucs defense that was a passing vortex and missing many starters, Olave could have another strong performance.”
But rumors of the Saints trading Olave could be a moot point. He said his representation and front office have been discussing terms of the extension “since the beginning of the year.”
This will certainly please Saints fans, as will his performance.
