Olave signs new deal
The New Orleans Saints have reached an agreement with wide receiver Chris Olave on a new contract extension. The deal, reported by Adam Schefter, is for four years and is valued at up to $132 million, with $90 million guaranteed. This agreement averages $33 million per year for Olave.
The extension positions Olave as one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. He now ranks as the sixth-highest-paid wide receiver, behind players such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ja’Marr Chase, Drake London, Justin Jefferson, and CeeDee Lamb. This contract is seen as beneficial for both the player and the team, providing Olave with a long-term commitment and securing a key offensive asset for quarterback Tyler Shough.
Chris Olave #12 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with teammates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images” width=”960″ height=”1440″ />Training camp activities and other observations
The contract agreement comes as the Saints began their 2026 training camp. On the first day of camp, Olave was present and in uniform but did not participate in competitive drills, including 7-on-7 and full-team sessions. Coach Kellen Moore indicated that Olave’s absence from these drills was a measure to prevent injury while contract negotiations were ongoing between the front office and Olave’s representatives.
Moore acknowledged the business aspect of the situation, stating that all parties involved had been cooperative throughout the process. He did not confirm whether Olave would continue to sit out competitive drills until the new contract was finalized, but it was noted as a situation to monitor.
Other players were fully engaged in the initial camp activities. Rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, the No. 8 pick in this year’s draft, participated in competitive drills for the first time alongside Tyler Shough and the starting offense. During the summer program, Tyson had been largely limited to individual position work.
Shough attempted to involve Tyson early in practice, though Tyson received his first target in the third competitive period. He caught a pass from Shough on a short out-breaking choice route during an 11-on-11 period. Shough expressed positive impressions of Tyson, highlighting his talent and desire for improvement. Tyson had been held back during the summer due to a recurrence of a hamstring injury, a decision made by the team to manage his recovery.
During a 7-on-7 period, a notable play occurred when Shough targeted Devaughn Vele on a shallow out-breaking route. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry quickly closed the distance to break up the pass. McKinstry has received considerable praise throughout the summer, with veteran safety Justin Reid commending his performance during OTAs and his current camp activities.
The first day of camp mirrored the structure of the previous year’s opening day, featuring a 7-on-7 period between two full-team drills. The offense appeared somewhat out of sync initially, with Shough completing only one of his first five passes. This included a dropped pass by Alvin Kamara, the pass breakup by McKinstry, and a timing issue between Shough and Ja’Lynn Polk. However, Shough improved, completing six of his subsequent seven attempts, including passes to tight end Juwan Johnson.
Kicker Charlie Smyth handled the first field goal reps, successfully converting all five of his attempts, with a long kick from approximately 48 yards. This camp is significant for Smyth as he competes to retain his position. Rookie Barion Brown was the first to receive punts, joining a group that included Tyson, receiver Trey Palmer, and cornerback Quincy Riley. Brown, known for his kickoff returns in college, has limited punt return experience in the NFL. Additionally, both Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson had fumbled exchanges with a running back during Wednesday’s practice.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.