Tyler Shough's Rise Could Be the Key to a Massive Chris Olave Extension in New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints may have found their guy under center - and that could change everything for the franchise. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough made a strong impression in his first season, and if what we saw in 2025 is any indication, the Saints might finally have a long-term answer at the position. But the ripple effect of Shough’s emergence goes beyond the quarterback spot - it could be the catalyst for locking down one of the NFL’s most dynamic young receivers.
Chris Olave, coming off a breakout campaign, is now positioned to cash in in a big way. According to Spotrac, Olave’s market value is projected at a staggering $131.8 million over four years - that’s an average of about $32 million per season. That kind of number would put him right up there with the league’s highest-paid wideouts.
And here’s the thing - it’s not just about the money. It’s about timing, fit, and the future of this Saints offense.
A Breakout Year Worth Betting On
Let’s start with the numbers. Olave hauled in 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025 - easily the best season of his four-year career.
That production didn’t happen in a vacuum. Shough’s arrival brought a new level of consistency and chemistry to the passing game, and Olave was the clear beneficiary.
Their connection looked natural, fluid - the kind of QB-WR synergy that can anchor an offense for years.
That’s why this looming contract extension feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
Yes, $32 million per year is a steep price tag, especially for a player who’s dealt with some injury concerns in the past. But context matters.
The Saints aren’t paying a veteran quarterback top-dollar. Shough is on a rookie deal - and as a second-round pick, his cap hit is even more manageable than most.
That gives New Orleans some rare financial flexibility, and investing in Olave would be a smart way to use it.
The Value of Continuity
There’s something to be said for building around a young quarterback the right way. Too often, we see teams draft a QB and fail to surround him with the weapons he needs to grow.
That’s not the case here. Olave is already a proven playmaker, and the chemistry he’s built with Shough is something you can’t manufacture overnight.
Locking Olave in long-term gives Shough a go-to guy he trusts - and that’s invaluable for a young signal-caller still finding his footing in the league. It also sends a message to the locker room that the Saints are serious about building a sustainable, competitive offense.
Time Is on Their Side - For Now
The Saints aren’t under the gun just yet. Olave’s fifth-year option has already been picked up for the 2026 season, so the team has some breathing room before he hits free agency. But that doesn’t mean they should wait.
The longer they hold off, the more expensive things could get - especially if Olave puts together another monster season. Getting ahead of the market now could save the Saints serious money down the line, and it would give Shough a sense of continuity heading into his second year.
Bottom line: this is a pivotal moment for New Orleans. With a potential franchise quarterback in place and a rising star at receiver, the Saints have a chance to build something special. Extending Olave isn’t just about rewarding past production - it’s about investing in the future of this offense.
And if 2025 was just a preview of what Shough and Olave can do together, Saints fans have every reason to be excited about what’s coming next.