The New Orleans Saints have signed wide receiver Chris Olave to a four-year contract extension worth $132 million, with $90 million guaranteed, according to sources. The deal secures a cornerstone player for the franchise ahead of the 2027 NFL free agency period.
Olave, the Saints' first-round pick in 2022, had been participating in training camp under a hold-in after declining to play on his fifth-year option for the 2026 season. He sought a new contract before committing to practices.
This extension places Olave among the highest-paid receivers in the league, with an average annual salary of $33 million. It surpasses the previous record deal for a Saints receiver, which was Michael Thomas's contract signed in 2019.
Last season, Olave recorded career highs across 16 games, with 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns. He developed strong chemistry with quarterback Tyler Shough, who took over as the starter in 2025. The Saints are building their offense around this connection, aiming to improve upon recent seasons. The team has not reached the playoffs since 2020 and has struggled with an 11-23 record over the past two years, including head coach Kellen Moore's 6-11 debut season in 2025.
Despite the team's struggles, the offense showed promise. The Saints have added Travis Etienne Jr. to the backfield alongside Alvin Kamara, and with emerging talents like Olave, tight end Juwan Johnson, and 2026 first-round pick Jordan Tyson, the offensive unit is poised for potential success. This moves comes as the Falcons also made a significant financial commitment to Drake London. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $215 million, with $160 million guaranteed, on Tuesday. The deal makes Tagovailoa one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. The Dolphins made the announcement after months of negotiations. The team had until May 2 to decide on Tagovailoa's fifth-year option for the 2025 season. Tagovailoa is entering his sixth NFL season. He has thrown for 13,214 yards, 87 touchdowns and 36 interceptions in 69 career games. He has also rushed for 313 yards and five touchdowns. Tagovailoa has led the Dolphins to the playoffs twice in his career. His contract extension includes a no-trade clause and will keep him with the Dolphins through the 2029 season. The deal provides the Dolphins with long-term stability at the quarterback position and allows them to focus on building a championship contender around him.