The New Orleans Saints do not want to trade star wide receiver Chris Olave. Of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers inquired about Olave, which caused some buzz on Friday, but two sides must be willing.
Sources tell PennLive that New Orleans does not seem interested in trading Olave. A trade is unlikely despite the Steelers’ interest in the 24-year-old wide receiver.
The trade cost for Olave would not be light, either. League sources had a consensus that it would take at least a day-two pick, likely a second-round pick, for the Saints to part ways with Olave before his fourth season, if they even considered trading him. Given the Saints have no reason or desire to move Olave, the cost is likely higher than that.
Olave is coming off a season in which he played just eight games due to concussions. That variable has to be factored into any trade discussions, but he had two 1,000-yard seasons before that.
The Steelers would love to acquire a player of Olave’s talents, but the two sides must be interested in this. In addition, these due diligence calls to ‘check in’ happen all the time across the NFL.
As a result, some developments will have to happen, but nothing appears likely as of this time. Saints head coach Kellen Moore told reporters at the NFL Owners Meetings in March that Olave should have a significant role in his offense.
“Chris is a phenomenal player. He has had a huge impact on this team. He’s going to have a huge impact (again),” Moore said.
The Saints have already picked up Olave’s fifth-year option. He will help anchor the Saints offense as they look to retool their roster, and figure out if they have their quarterback in Tyler Shough.