New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis recently said quarterback Derek Carr will return in 2025, and this news could indirectly trigger a Chris Olave trade. A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product hit the ground running as a rookie, catching 72 passes for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns from Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to establish the same rapport with Carr, and his frustrations leaked out during an injury-plagued 2024.
After suffering his second concussion of the 2024 season in early November, Chis Olave’s brother tweeted out that the wide receiver was “up and active” shortly following the devastating hit. A fan quoted this tweet wondering if Olave should continue playing, and his brother responded by saying it “ain’t worth it in Nola.”
Derek Carr is not the NFL’s worst quarterback, but he has a long, extensive history of throwing hospital balls. While his brother’s tweet is the most public declaration against Carr, whispers throughout the organization suggest the wide receiver isn’t the biggest fan of the passer. Seeing as he’s already suffered four concussions, Chris Olave could request a trade and he should have a few interested suitors.
Chris Olave Could Request Trade Following Derek Carr News
Potential Fits
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots must do everything in their power to support franchise quarterback Drake Maye. This won’t be easy, as head coach Mike Vrabel inherited what is easily the least talented roster in football. The offensive line is an outward disaster, and Demario Douglas is the best wide receiver on the depth chart. Fortunately, they have over $128 million in cap space, so they can trade for Chris Olave without sacrificing their ability to add starting-caliber players on the offensive line.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have a budding superstar in Ladd McConkey, but not much else in terms of proven pass-catchers. Quentin Johnston had his moments last year, but he’s better off as a depth piece. Chris Olave comes with his own set of risks, but a trade could give the Chargers the offensive firepower needed to compete with the Kansas City Chiefs, especially if the reigning AFC champions lack the financial resources to land a left tackle or additional wide receivers.
Pittsburgh Steelers
After swinging and missing on a Brandon Aiyuk trade last year, the Steelers could double their efforts and land Chris Olave. Nobody knows who will be under center in Week 1 for this organization, but whoever it is will need more than just George Pickens to finally win a playoff game. Pickens and Olave are far from the league’s safest wide receiver duo, but their upside is through the roof. When you don’t have an elite quarterback, you need receivers capable of carrying the passing game if you want to compete for a title.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys plan on being “selectively aggressive” in free agency, which is a nice way of saying they don’t have the money to outbid the other organizations for top free agents. With this in mind, the trade market could be the best way for Jerry Jones to improve the overall roster. Chris Olave would be the best receiver on a good chunk of NFL rosters, but he’d be the second-best option on the Cowboys. Dak Prescott is at his best when he has two above-average pass catchers, and the duo of Olave and CeeDee Lamb should be enough to get this team back to the postseason.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs used the franchise tag on Trey Smith, and they reportedly want to sign him to a long-term deal. While Smith is one of the best players at his position, extending him likely means the team cannot pursue a proper receiver on the open market. This means a Chris Olave trade could be the best way to upgrade their passing attack and a much-needed veteran following the likely departures of DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown.
Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff – Imagn Images
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