The New Orleans Saints’ standout receiver Chris Olave has broken his silence on the trade rumors that keep popping up, making it clear that he and the organization are still talking regularly despite all the noise. With the November 4 trade deadline looming, speculation about both Olave and running back Alvin Kamara has been heating up across social platforms, especially given the Saints’ brutal 1-6 start that has fans and analysts questioning everything.
Direct Communication Keeps Things Steady
While Olave admits he doesn’t spend much time scrolling through social media drama, he’s well aware of the chatter surrounding his name. The 25-year-old sounds genuinely upbeat about staying in New Orleans, revealing that contract extension talks have been going on for months behind the scenes. “We’re on the same page,” Olave told reporters after the Saints’ disappointing 26-14 defeat to Chicago, pointing to the solid relationship he maintains with team leadership.
Saints GM Mickey Loomis didn’t dodge questions when he appeared on WWL Radio, confirming that other teams have indeed come calling about certain players—though he kept names off the table. Loomis made it pretty clear that the Saints aren’t in fire-sale mode, emphasizing they’d only consider moving quality talent if someone made them an offer they literally couldn’t turn down.
Wisdom from a Familiar Face
Enter Brandin Cooks, the veteran receiver who knows a thing or two about being traded—he left New Orleans back in 2017 before circling back this season. Cooks pulled Olave aside when the rumors started flying, offering some perspective that only comes from experience. He told the young receiver to focus on what’s actually in his control and take it as a compliment that other franchises are actively trying to pry him away. “That should boost your confidence that you’re a top player in the league,” Cooks explained.
Bouncing Back from Adversity
Olave’s journey as the Saints’ go-to receiving threat hasn’t been without its bumps. Last year, he put serious work into improving his contested catches and blocking after Michael Thomas departed. But two concussions derailed his momentum, including a particularly nasty one in November 2024 that shut down his season early. Those months on the sideline gave him time to step back and appreciate both his health and the chance to play at football’s highest level.
Now back and healthy in 2025, Olave has faced his share of criticism, particularly after a rough Week 6 showing against New England where he dropped a couple of catchable balls. Rather than making excuses, he owned those mistakes completely. “I hold myself to the highest standards,” he said matter-of-factly. “I work hard to be in this position, so I have to take advantage when the ball comes my way.”
Finding His Groove Despite Team Struggles
Those dropped passes aside, Olave believes he’s hitting his stride this season, and the numbers back him up in recent weeks. His performance against Chicago was particularly impressive—98 receiving yards and both of the Saints’ touchdowns, marking the first multi-TD game of his professional career. Quarterback Spencer Rattler couldn’t stop praising Olave’s ability to haul in contested throws and bounce back from adversity, while head coach Kellen Moore highlighted his crucial contributions when it matters most.
Through the season’s ups and downs, Olave has put together 44 catches for 440 yards and three scores, already surpassing his 2024 totals. Yet these individual bright spots feel somewhat hollow given the Saints’ historically bad start—their worst since 1999. Recent season-ending injuries to center Erik McCoy and running back Kendre Miller have only made things more challenging for a team already fighting an uphill battle.
Staying Focused When Everything’s Uncertain
Despite the team’s struggles and the constant trade chatter, Olave remains committed to building on the positives he sees emerging from recent games. “It’s tough losing and being 1-6, but there are some good things to build on,” he acknowledged. With the Saints organization maintaining open dialogue and his own unwavering commitment to improvement, Olave seems determined to keep his head down and contribute however he can as this challenging season plays out.
