The New Orleans Saints might have finally found their franchise quarterback in Tyler Shough. After an impressive rookie season, Shough might be the answer at QB for years to come.
But his emergence isn't just big for the Saints; it's massive for Chris Olave. Not only will he now have a QB who can help him put up big numbers, as he had in 2025, but Shough will help Olave land a big new contract.
Spotrac.com projects that Olave, after his breakout 2025 season with Shough at quarterback, is in line to earn a massive $131 million over four years. This extension would only be possible for Olave thanks to Shough.
Chris Olave gets $131M contract projection
Spotrac.com has Olave's Market Value at an impressive $131,867,272 over four years. Roughly $131 over four years will have Olave's average per year at $32 million, which would be one of the top numbers in the league.
While paying so much for a wide receiver is a bit scary, especially one like Olave who's had some injury concerns in his career, the Saints will have a much stronger reason than other teams for paying that expensive salary.
With Shough on a rookie deal and a second-rounder's contract at that, the Saints will have plenty of money to play with going forward. Olave would be worth spending it on.
Olave's projected deal is a wild one, but if Spotrac's projection hits, the Saints would have one of the better WRs in the NFL locked down for the next 4-5 years with a rookie quarterback.
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Olave's extension with the Saints won't be cheap, but it would be more than worth it for the Saints if he continues producing as he did in 2025.
This past season, Olave broke out with 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns in the best season of his four-year NFL career since being drafted 11th overall by the Saints in the 2022 NFL Draft.
While it's time to figure out a new contract for Olave in New Orleans, they do have one more year of control, as Olave has had his fifth-year option picked up for 2026.
The Saints will have time to work out a deal before he hits free agency, but extending Olave will be a priority, as giving Shough a strong wide receiver room is a must. His rapport with Olave looked great, and there's no reason not to extend Olave.
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