After the best game of his professional career, Chris Olave revealed he almost retired this offseason due to the concussions he's suffered. Olave has spoke about the mental battles that came with those concussions before. After the New Orleans Saints played at Carolina, he spoke about the anxiety of going back to where his 2024 campaign was ended.
That was Olave's second concussion of the season and kept him out the last eight games of the year. He really drove home how disappointing the situation was with one sentence. "I was only 24 years old contemplating retirement."
Olave is, of course, putting up great numbers in 2025, but games played is the most encouraging number on his stat line. If he can just stay healthy in the last two games, it'll be the first time Olave has played all 17 games. Additionally, he hasn't left any game with injury, let alone miss a game.
Chris Olave putting up career numbers under Kellen Moore
With two games left, Olave is just 80 yards aways from setting a new career high in receiving yards. Last week, he set a career high in receptions, and his eight touchdown catches are easily the most in his four year career. Olave's 148 yards against the Jets last week were the most in his career. It was also the second multi-touchdown game of his career. The first was earlier this season.
The first year in Kellen Moore's system has been a success for Olave. He's been prioritized within the offense. Trading Rashid Shaheed put the weight of making plays downfield on Olave. It's a burden he'll gladly take as he wanted to be a three level threat. With more on his plate, Olave has risen to the occasion.
It all comes back to the contract. This offseason is the year to decide whether or not to pay Olave. He's doing everything you'd want to make it difficult not to pay him.