The Atlanta Falcons made a major commitment to their future by signing star wide receiver Drake London to a lucrative four year, $141 million contract extension. Averaging annual value of $35.25 million, it placed London among the NFL’s highest paid receivers. For the New Orleans Saints, Chris Olave will likely be seeking annual averages value in the same range as London given his production, age, and importance to the offense.
However, the biggest difference could come in the guaranteed money. London reportedly secured most of his contract as guaranteed compensation, while the Saints may be more cautious about offering that level of long-term financial security. The annual numbers may end up being similar, but the structure and guarantees could ultimately determine how close Olave’s next deal comes to London’s.
The top tier of NFL wide receivers, Justin Jefferson, Ja'mar Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Drake London, and Jaxson Smith Nijgba have all secured massive extensions that include a signigcant portion of their money fully guaranteed. This consistency on the field has given teams confidence to commit not just large annual salaries, but also significant guaranteed money that locks in the players financial security to come.
Chris Olave's injury history could limit guaranteed money in new deal
One factor that could complicate a long-term extension for Chris Olave is his concussion history. Olave suffered one concussion during his rookie season in 2022, another in 2023, and then two more in 2024, bringing his career total to four in just three seasons. While each situation is unique, that number is understandably concerning for both Olave and the organization moving forward.
There is no question Olave’s talent or importance to the Saints offense. When healthy, he has proven to be one of the NFL’s top receivers and a player New Orleans can build around. However, durability becomes part of the conversation when a player has experienced multiple head injuries in a short period of time.
As contract talks heat up, Olave’s concussion history could play a major role in the structure of any extension. His production may warrant a salary similar to other elite receivers, but guaranteed money could be where the Saints proceed more cautiously.
Even among his peers, London saw a ridiculous amount of guaranteed money. The Saints could find themselves comfortable giving Olave the same annual contract value, because he and London are that similar. It's hard to imagine the Saints getting talked into the same guarantees. Olave's concussions are simply too big of a deal to overlook that much.
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