It feels like Chris Olave and New Orleans Saints have been close to a deal all offseason, but pen still hasn't been put to sheets with training camp less than a week away. Despite his long term future up in the air, NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill reported the expectation is "the status of those talks won’t initially impact participation."
Olave has maintained this is what he would do all offseason, and he’s staying true to his word. Underhill left room for that to change during camp by saying "initially impact." However, Saints fans shouldn't expect Olave to hold out or hold in.
Holding out was likely never a real option because there's financial penalty for not showing up to camp. That's why holding in has grown in popularity, and that felt like a realistic next move for Olave. He could come to camp, but not participate beyond warmups as the two sides continue negotiations.
Chris Olave may want to second guess Saints training camp plans
Olave is going the good teammate route. It’s certainly a noble, but is that really the best solution? The iron has never been this hot for Olave, so getting the deal done should be imperative for him.Â
The biggest question for Olave has always been his health. Though he didn't miss a lot of time during his first and second season, the time he did miss was due to a concussion. Then, he missed half of 2024 after suffering two concussions and contemplated retirement.
That many concussions get concerning for a player long term regardless of the time on the shelf. Last season was the first season Olave was concussion free, and the result was his most productive season in the league.
Olave's most notable jump came in touchdown production. He nearly doubled his career total in that department along with setting a career high in yards.
Olave set career highs in every category and stayed healthy, other than a blood clot keeping him out of the finale. He's answered the biggest question about himself ahead of an offseason filled with negotiations .It's the perfect set up for Olave's representation as they approach the negotiation table.
Most players in Olave’s shoes wouldn’t step back on the field until they had a deal done, and Olave taking that same approach would make a lot of sense. Anything could happen to Olave at camp, and the risk is all on him. If both sides are inspired to get the deal done, that extra push wouldn't be taken personally.
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