ESPN analyst reveals when Saints might sign Chris Olave to contract extension

The New Orleans Saints have spent their entire offseason building the offense around Tyler Shough as best as possible, drafting players like Jordyn Tyson and Oscar Delp while signing veterans like Travis Etienne Jr. and Noah Fant.

But the one move this team hasn't made isn't an addition, but rather an extension with veteran wide receiver Chris Olave. The Saints and Olave have been in talks for a while now, and yet, he's still unsigned.

So, when, if at all, will Olave sign? ESPN's Katherine Terrell revealed when Olave might be able to sign his new long-term deal this offseason. That date is not for a little while.

Saints' Chris Olave extension might not happen for a while

"The Saints have been in talks with Olave since last year about a new deal, and while nothing has happened yet, both sides have spoken positively of the situation," Terrell writes. "... New Orleans typically gets its bigger deals done closer to the season, and Olave said he would love to get something done before training camp."

With the Saints looking to sign Olave to a long-term deal, and Olave wanting to sign with the Saints for a long time, it's only a matter of time before a deal is agreed to based on the current situation.

The star wide receiver is someone the Saints should want to keep around long-term, even though there might be some injury concerns.

MORE: Saints urged to extend Chris Olave to a deal similar to Drake London’s $141 million contract

He had 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 receptions in a career year during the 2025 season, and was one of the best receivers statistically once Shough took over.

This update from Terrell reveals that the most-likely dates for a possible Olave extension are either shortly before the regular season begins or in late July at the beginning of training camp.

Regardless, since both sides want to come to terms on an extension, it would not be a surprise if either by the start of training camp or the regular season that Olave's new deal is agreed-upon.

Saints fans might have to wait a little while longer for an Olave extension, but a deal does look likely to get done at some point in the coming months.

More NFL news:

• Dolphins’ Greg Dulcich is a rising offensive star and a fantasy football sleeper
• Jets urged to sign ex-Browns, Bills DL Larry Ogunjobi
• 49ers urged to finally end Brandon Aiyuk saga with two possible solutions
• Rams urged to extend an offensive lineman before an extension of Puka Naca
• Bears urged to sign ex-Bills, Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa