Chris Olave just landed one of the biggest paydays of his career. The former Buckeye wide receiver has agreed to a four-year extension with the New Orleans Saints that could be worth up to $132 million, including $90 million guaranteed. The average annual value comes in at $33 million, and the deal keeps him in New Orleans through the 2030 season.
Olave, who Ohio State fans remember well after he went 11th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, just wrapped up his best pro season yet, one that earned him second-team All-Pro honors in 2025. It's another example of a former Buckeye receiver getting paid handsomely at the next level, and there's no shortage of those lately.
Contract Details and Timeline
Before the new money kicks in, Olave still has to play out 2026 on his fifth-year option, worth roughly $15.5 million. Once the extension actually starts in 2027, it'll place him among the league's better-paid receivers, currently good for sixth in average annual value.
Getting to this point wasn't quick. Reports indicate the two sides worked through negotiations that dragged into the start of training camp. In the meantime, Olave scaled back his practice reps, a "hold-in," while the deal got hammered out. Now that it's done, he's expected to be back at full speed with the rest of the team.
Want the quick rundown on what this means for the Saints? This reaction video from Locked On Saints breaks it down well:
Olave's Path from Columbus to New Orleans
Olave made his name at Ohio State between 2018 and 2021, developing into one of the most productive pass-catchers the program has seen. He left Columbus as the school's all-time leader in touchdown receptions with 35, and he wasted little time carrying that success into the NFL, putting together three 1,000-yard seasons in his first four years.
2025 was easily his best year yet. He hauled in a career-high 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns across 16 games, becoming only the second player in Saints history to crack the 100-reception mark in a season, joining Michael Thomas in that club.
It hasn't all been smooth sailing health-wise, he's dealt with multiple concussions during his career and a blood clot that sidelined him for the final game of last season. That he bounced back and still put up career numbers likely played a big part in convincing the Saints he's worth locking up long-term.
What It Means for Buckeye Fans
Ohio State just keeps churning out top-tier wide receiver talent, and Olave's new deal is the latest reminder of that. Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and others have already cashed in big, and the program's reputation as a receiver factory for the NFL keeps growing.
For more on former and current Buckeyes making waves in the pros, keep checking in with BrutusReport.com.
Looking Ahead
With his contract situation squared away, Olave can turn his full attention to 2026 and the Saints' offense, which is still taking shape around him. At 26, he's heading into his prime years with financial security locked in and a clear role as the focal point of New Orleans' passing attack.
Buckeye Nation will be keeping an eye on him as he continues building on an already strong NFL career.
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