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EspañolWide receiver Chris Olave has been a vital contributor for the New Orleans Saints offense since coming into the league. A star with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Olave was taken with the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He was the third receiver chosen and immediately became a big part of the New Orleans offense.
Olave had a total of 159 receptions over his first two seasons and eclipsed 1,000 yards in both years. In 2024, his season was limited to only eight games because of concussions, a recurring issue throughout his career. Entering 2025, there were concerns about Olave's long-term health and whether he could be a true featured weapon for New Orleans.
Chris Olave Year in Review
- Position: Wide receiver
- Age: 25
- Height: 6-feet
- Weight: 187 pounds
- NFL experience: 4 years (with Saints)
- 2025 season: 16 games (16 starts)
A good start in 2024 deteriorated into injured reserve and loads of questions for Olave. Nevertheless, the Saints made the correct decision to pick up the wideout's fifth-year option. What Olave would have to show in response was that he indeed could be counted on to both stay healthy and be a true featured target.
The 2025 campaign started out rocky. As always, Olave saw a ton of targets. He was targeted 54 times in the first five weeks and caught 33 passes, but had a few costly drops and failed to gain even 60 yards in any of those five games. As the season progressed, injuries ravaged the receiver and running back spots. That, and a trade of Rashid Shaheed, forced the Saints to count on Olave even more in their limited offense.
As the weapons around him deteriorated, Olave stepped up in a big way. Over his last 11 games, he had three 100-yard outings, three more of at least 85 yards, and was held to under 60 yards just twice. Olave had 5 or more receptions in 12 of 16 games, including 7 or more catches seven times. Unfortunately, Olave missed the season finale after blood clots were discovered in his lung. It was the only game he'd miss all year.
Chris Olave played 887 offensive snaps over his 16 starts, 84% of the unit's total and a career-best for him. He was targeted 156 times, pulling in 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and 9 touchdowns. All were the best of his career, as was his 72.7% catch percentage and 53 first downs. All this was in spite of extra defensive attention on him due to the lack of weapons in the offense. At just 25, Olave is a big part of the New Orleans future. The Saints are expected to sign him to a lucrative contract extension this offseason. After stepping up in such a big way in 2025 and overcoming adversity, he's earned it.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints 2025 Year in Review: Chris Olave bounced back with big season