The start of training camp is the extension period, where veterans who have been waiting for new contracts reach an agreement before putting their bodies at further risk.
One name to watch in the coming weeks is New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave, who enters the final year of his rookie deal after his third 1,000-plus-yard campaign in four seasons.
Executive director Mickey Loomis said the parties are moving toward an agreement.
“We’re in a lot of discussions,” Loomis said, via the New Orleans Advocate . “… We’re just not there yet. We’re hopeful.”
Olave has proven to be one of the most productive receivers in the NFL despite struggling through much of his first four seasons. The smooth running back put up 1,163 yards and nine TDs on 100 catches last season as the offensive end of an offense that struggled for much of the season.
With 11 receivers making at or north of $30 million per year, and two over $40 million per year (Jaxon Smith-Njiba and Ja’Marr Chase), the question is where Olave will land on the scale. Loomis acknowledged the outfielder’s injury history was a “variable” to consider but not enough to prevent a deal from happening.
“We want to get this done,” Loomis said. “Chris and his agents, Jason and Drew Rosenhaus, I know they want to get it done. We all do, but it has to be right for both parties.”
Olave suffered multiple concussions in 2024, knocking him out for half the season. In four seasons, he has never played a 17-game slate, missing Week 18 last year because of blood clotting issues, which also kept him out of some offseason workouts in 2026.
The 26-year-old is ready for training camp and is not expected to stick around despite not signing a new contract. The Saints see him as the centerpiece of a team that is on the rise after five straight non-playoff seasons, finishing fourth in the NFC South.
“Chris has been as enthusiastic and optimistic as anyone,” Loomis said. “So I really appreciate the way he’s handled himself. And it’s not just this year – it’s every year with Chris.”