Veteran receiver Chris Olave reported for training camp Tuesday as he and the New Orleans Saints worked on a contract extension for the 2022 first-round draft choice, general manager Mickey Loomis said.
“We’re having a lot of discussions,” Loomis said. “We’ve had meetings and we’re just not there yet. We’re hopeful.”
Olave, who had multiple concussions early in his career and missed the final game of last season with a blood clot, is entering his final season under his rookie contract. He is coming off his best season in the NFL, having been selected second-team AP All-Pro after posting career highs of 100 receptions, 1,163 yards receiving and nine touchdowns in 2025.
“We want to get it done,” Loomis said on the eve of the Saints’ first training camp practice, scheduled for Wednesday morning.
“Chris and his agents, Jason and Drew Rosenhaus, I know they want to get it done,” Loomis continued. “We all do, but, look, it’s got to be right for both parties.”
Drafted 11th overall out of Ohio State in 2022, Olave eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first two NFL seasons, during which he caught 159 passes for 2,165 yards and nine TDs combined.
In 2024, however, he was diagnosed with two concussions — the third and fourth of his career — in a span of four games. He missed nine games that season, with the second concussion landing him on injured reserve for the final eight.
Loomis portrayed Olave’s injury history as an “element” and a “variable” in the negotiations. But Loomis also spoke highly of Olave’s attitude and commitment to the club while negotiations have continued.
Players periodically skip, or hold out, from training camp practices during contract negotiations. Olave has yet to do that, even participating in voluntary offseason team activities.
“He was certainly here today, and look, Chris has been as enthusiastic and optimistic as anyone,” Loomis said. “So I really, really appreciate the way he’s conducted himself. And that’s not just this year — that’s every year with Chris. He’s an absolute joy to have on our team.”
Notes: Saints coach Kellen Moore said the club waived cornerback Beanie Bishop and signed cornerback Mike Reid. Moore also said third-year receiver Mason Tipton was placed on the club’s physically unable to perform list because of surgery to repair an offseason tibia injury.
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