Chris Olave reveals contract extension with Saints is being worked on: 'I want to be in New Orleans forever'

New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Chris Olave made it clear this week that he hopes to remain with the organization for the rest of his NFL career. Appearing on Up & Adams, the former first round pick revealed that extension talks are officially underway, emphasizing just how deeply connected he feels to the city, franchise and fan base.

“It’s in the works. I want to be in New Orleans forever,” Olave said. “I know it’s a tough time right now. But I love it out here. I love the people, I love the culture, I love the fans and I love the new coaching staff and our front office. So, we’re in the works right now and I hope it gets done soon, but like I said, I want to be here for my whole career.”

Now in his fourth season, Olave continues to establish himself as one of the league’s most reliable receivers. Through 10 games in 2025, he’s caught 60 passes for 664 yards and four touchdowns, once again pacing the Saints’ offense. For his career, the former Ohio State standout has totaled 251 receptions, 3,229 yards and 14 touchdowns across 49 games since being drafted No. 11 overall in 2022.

But Olave’s journey hasn’t been without adversity. Concussions have been a recurring challenge, including a severe one, the fourth of his career, which was suffered in a 23-22 loss to Carolina on Nov. 3, 2024. That injury ended his season and left Olave and those close to him questioning whether he should continue playing.

That made his return to Carolina this past weekend emotionally overwhelming: “When I came into the stadium, I just felt it all again. I had a lot of anxiety pregame,” Olave said. “There’s a lot of stuff going on; my close people know what was going on. They just stuck by my side and I appreciate them for all of that.”

Stepping onto the field brought it all back for the wide receiver: “As soon as I stepped on the field, I felt it all over again,” he added. “It was a tough situation from last year. It ended my season, so just coming back here for the first time and playing here again, I’m glad I had the performance I had. But I couldn’t do it without my teammates and my coaches and everybody around me.”

Olave responded with his best performance of the season, reeling in five catches, 104 yards and a touchdown, and helping New Orleans secure a 17–7 win. It was their second victory of the year.

Following a bye week, the Saints return home to face the Falcons on Nov. 23 inside Caesars Superdome. As rookie quarterback Tyler Shough continues to develop and first-year head coach Kellen Moore builds his foundation, Olave remains not just the team’s top target but a steady, committed presence, and potentially, a Saint for life.