Tyler Shough delivered a beautiful throw down the field to Chris Olave on the New Orleans Saints final drive, and it went right through his hands. With the way Tua Tagovailoa was playing, Olave catching that pass likely would have secured a stunning comeback victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Asking Tagovailoa to lead the Dolphins to a score with less than two minutes would be a favorable scenario for New Orleans. He struggled to consistently throw the football, and many Saints fans were aware of that in the moment.
It's hard to not constantly reflect on that throw since it was right in the end zone. Kellen Moore decided to focus on the aftermath, and pointed to the following two plays as opportunities to continue moving the ball down the field.
Chris Olave is going to be under a bigger microscope as the Saints close out the season
Plays like that potential game winning catch are plays Olave is going to have to make not only to win this year, but to justify the contract he'll certainly be looking for this offseason. It's a little early to discuss, but it wouldn't wrong to see a future where Olave either signs a contract extension with the Saints this offseason or not in New Orleans at all next year.
Players will often sit out ahead of their last year under contract in order to expedite contract negotiations. We just saw fellow Ohio State Buckeye wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, pull the same move to get a new contract from the Commanders.
If a deal doesn't get done by training camp, it wouldn't be surprising to see Olave do the same. Actually, it may be highly suggested to him to get some security due to his injury history. He's been healthy all year, so it would make sense to capitalize on that by securing a contract. That may make this offseason a now or never moment in the negotiations between Olave and the Saints.
The question becomes do the Saints want to pay Olave like a top flight receiver. Do the Saints want to pay $30 million a year to Olave? For the answer to be yes, he has to make those plays when they're presented. The Saints should need Olave to show he can lead this passing attack to success on a consistent basis. Every game won't be 100 yards, but he needs to show he can be the clear cut top dog.
It may be unfair, but Olave will have to be judged on that criteria throughout the season. He'll have to show he's not just talented because that's not in question. He'll have to show he can make the tough catches, timely plays and show he can be the clear cut top receiver on a successful passing attack. That'll earn him a new contract. As much as Tyler Shough's audition is on center stage, Olave is auditioning as well. This play didn't cost him millions, but it can't continue to happen.