Black Friday is synonymous with prices being cheaper and people getting outstanding deals. The New Orleans Saints didn’t sign his contract this on the holiday, but they still have a bargain with wide receiver Chris Olave. He gives the offense a second dimension and is vital in the development of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
Olave is still on his rookie deal and currently has a cap hit of $6,131,959, per Over the Cap. The Saints chose to accept his fifth year option this offseason which makes his contract jump to $15,493,000.
This is obviously a ton of money, however, it’s well worth the price for how important he is to the offense. Also, it pales in comparison to others at his position. Olave’s $6 million contract is the 48th highest in the league. It will jump next year, but that’s still far cheaper than the average star receiver. His $15 million cap hit next season will still put him 25th in the NFL. An absolute bargain.
Chris Olave is paramount in the development of Tyler Shough
Olave being a consistent weapon is key to the success and improvement of Shough for the remainder of the year. For a quarterback who has struggled while under pressure, it’s important to surround him with dynamic players he can comfortably get the ball too. Luckily for him, Olave is just that.
Olave has tallied 294 receiving yards in the past four games, when Shough took over. It’s clear he’s the number one option for the rookie to target. He’s been effective in the short game, medium and as a deep threat. In addition, he’s pulled in some crazy contested catches when Shough throws one up.
The Saints aren’t in a mode to compete while Chris Olave’s under his rookie contract, but it’s still a bargain and vital to Tyler Shough's early success and development. He’s a dynamic weapon for the rookie to consistently target and is valuable as a safety option. Olave’s importance in this offense goes far beyond his $6 million cap hit.