The New Orleans Saints and Chris Olave are still working toward a contract extension, but on the eve of the 2026 training camp, no deal has been reached.
Saints GM Mickey Loomis said Tuesday that both sides are eager to reach a deal, but that hasn't yet come to fruition.
“We’re having a lot of discussions," Loomis said. "We’ve had meetings and we’re just not there yet. We’re hopeful.”
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Olave is heading into his fifth NFL season, for which he is currently on a team option scheduled to pay out more than $15.4 million. The former No. 11 overall pick is expected to land a lucrative long-term deal after a season where he appeared in 16 games and logged careers highs in targets (158), catches (100), yards (1,163) and touchdowns (9).
Players in similar situations from his draft class have already inked new deals, including his former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson ($32.5M per year) and NFC South foe Drake London ($35.2M per year).
Olave participated in OTAs and minicamp but was held out of team drills, limiting contact as he worked back from a blood clot issue that cost him the finale of the 2025 season. He is cleared of those limitations as camp kicks off. Olave has also dealt with multiple concussions throughout his career and at one point considered retirement. Loomis declined to elaborate on the content of those discussions, but did concede health concerns are an "element" of the contract conversation.
“We want to get it done and Chris and his agents ... I know they want to get it done, we all do," Loomis continued, "but look, it’s got to be right for both parties.”
The Saints are scheduled to open training camp practice on Wednesday, with Olave in attendance and expected to participate.
ROSTER MOVES
The Saints made several roster moves on Tuesday ahead of the start of their 2026 camp:
To PUP (physically unable to perform)
- DL Keeshawn Silver
- WR Mason Tipton
Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Tipton is working back from offseason tibia surgery.
To NFI (non-football injury)
- TE Cody Hardy
- DT Zxavian Harris
Waived
- CB Beanie Bishop
Signed
- CB Mike Reid
Loomis said he doesn't expect any of the absences to be extended. Harris, in particular, has been working back from offseason foot surgery. Notable absences from the list above include Kendre Miller and Jordyn Tyson. Miller is working back from a torn ACL midway through last season, while Tyson was held out of OTAs and minicamp as he works back from a
