How Saints' extension for Chris Olave could impact a Rashid Shaheed trade

There might be no wide receiver room around the NFL that has the attention of NFL teams quite like the New Orleans Saints' wide receiver room.

Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and even Brandin Cooks are all trade deadline candidates, with teams vying for those players at the upcoming trade deadline.

With a week to go for the deadline, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler highlighted how the Saints' decision-making with Olave in regards to an extension could impact the availability of Shaheed at the deadline.

Why a Saints trade of Rashid Shaheed is impacted by Chris Olave's decision to sign an extension or not

While teams around the NFL are interested in Olave, the 2022 first-round pick coming off the trade block for good by signing an extension might be good news for wide receiver-needy teams around the NFL.

"Chris Olave's future could determine a lot with Saints' plans at deadline," Fowler reports. "If N.O. feels it can extend him, perhaps it parts with Shaheed. But an Olave deal would be costly."

Chris Olave’s future could determine a lot with Saints’ plans at deadline. If N.O. feels it can extend him, perhaps it parts with Shaheed. But an Olave deal would be costly https://t.co/PxPnTleKhq

Deciding to extend Olave won't come cheap, but it would lock up a number one receiver option for the Saints for the foreseeable future. Having an established offense for a young quarterback, whether it's Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough, would be a smart move from the Saints.

As Fowler mentions, while it won't be cheap, such an extension could also open the pathway for Shaheed to be more easily dealt with this season.

The speedster receiver is a free agent after 2025, but if Olave signs an extension, the Saints could have reason to move on from him as soon as the deadline, especially if they could land a strong return.

More: Saints expected to take firm Chris Olave stance amid trade rumors

New Orleans is likely eyeing a third-round pick for Shaheed, and with a lack of great receivers available at the deadline, such compensation might be reasonable for the young Saints receiver.

If the Saints extend Olave, then a Shaheed trade would be a lot easier for the Saints' front office to make. So, while Olave is the top trade target on the Saints roster, if he signs an extension, then New Orleans would have more reason to move on from Shaheed.

At 1-7, the Saints are one of the most compelling teams to watch as the early November trade deadline approaches. Whether the Olave extension happens by the deadline or not, the Saints' decision with Shaheed could reveal Olave's future in New Orleans.

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