The New Orleans Saints’ offseason has once again sparked media debate, especially after quarterback Derek Carr’s retirement raised the possibility of the team making trades to accumulate draft picks and kick-start a roster rebuild.
One player frequently mentioned in trade conversations is wide receiver Chris Olave. At least two AFC teams have reportedly contacted the Saints to inquire about his value, and New Orleans has made it clear, if anyone wants Olave, the price will be steep.
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Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns Inquired About Chris Olave
Carr’s retirement has further lowered expectations for the Saints heading into the 2025 season. It’s clear the team has been attempting to rebuild the roster for years, but their salary cap situation has made it difficult. Due to contract structuring habits that date back to the Drew Brees era — pushing money into the future — the franchise is now trying to restore financial balance.
That brings us to the impact on young, talented players like Olave. Will the team be in a position to offer a competitive extension to a wide receiver who, in his two healthy seasons, has been one of the most valuable assets on offense? Or is it better to trade him now while his value is high and commit fully to a rebuild?
Teams around the NFL are asking the same question. According to insider Albert Breer, the Steelers and Browns reached out to the Saints earlier this offseason to inquire about Olave’s availability, but New Orleans raised the asking price, making it clear that Olave is only leaving in the event of a blockbuster offer.
“The Saints got inquiries from the Browns and Steelers early in the offseason, and rebuffed them, and Olave’s had a really nice offseason since. Maybe someone blows New Orleans away with an offer. But he’s not on the block, and I have a hard time thinking he’s going to be traded,” Breer said.
The Steelers have already made two significant moves involving wide receivers. Before free agency even began, they traded for DK Metcalf, and shortly after the draft, they dealt George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Although the team’s starting quarterback for 2025 remains uncertain, their interest in Olave signals a clear effort to build a veteran, proven receiving corps.
I know that it most likely won’t happen but the Steelers offense would be very dangerous with Chris Olave and DK Metcalf catching passes for Pittsburgh in 2025. pic.twitter.com/st6PZCBDwx
— Billy Hartford (@CamHeywardFan) May 16, 2025
As for the Browns, Jerry Jeudy’s arrival in 2024 was a pleasant surprise. He posted his first career 1,000-yard season, earning a three-year, $52 million extension. The interest in Olave could indicate Cleveland’s intention to build a strong receiving group around whichever young quarterback emerges, with Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders both on the roster as rookies.
The most likely scenario is that Olave stays with the Saints, providing Tyler Shough with at least one reliable playmaker as he attempts to keep the team competitive in a steadily improving NFC, especially within the increasingly tough NFC South. While the outlook for the season isn’t particularly promising, New Orleans’ approach appears focused on valuing homegrown talent as they brace for the inevitable rebuild ahead.