Brandin Cooks is bringing a familiar face back to New Orleans after joining the Saints in a move that fuels speculation about the future of Chris Olave. While the market for free agent wide receivers is bustling, Cooks still managed to lock in a two-year, $13 million deal to potentially fill the role of the third receiver on the Saints’ roster. One can’t help but wonder what this means for Chris Olave, who has reportedly not hit it off with quarterback Derek Carr.
Olave, a first-round pick whose concussion woes haven’t gone unnoticed, may find himself open to a new team. Carr, while a solid quarterback, is notorious for passes that put his receivers in vulnerable positions – a concerning trait for someone like Olave, who sustained two concussions last season alone. With Cooks bolstering the Saints’ receiving corps, the stage might be set for Olave to seek greener pastures.
Let’s take a look at possible landing spots for Olave, where his skills might be a perfect fit:
New England Patriots
The Patriots have made strides in strengthening their defense but have left their offense, particularly the unit surrounding rookie quarterback Drake Maye, wanting.
Outside of securing right tackle Morgan Moses, there’s a glaring need for weapons to aid Maye’s development. Given Olave’s talent, he would immediately slot in as the best receiver on the squad, providing Maye the opportunity to truly shine and improve the Patriots’ offensive firepower.
Los Angeles Chargers
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has fortified his roster by adding running back Najee Harris and right guard Mekhi Becton, aiming to dominate the physical aspect of the game.
However, their passing game requires additional support. Currently, Ladd McConkey leads a thin group of reliable pass catchers.
Integrating Olave into the lineup would be a game-changer, potentially transforming the Chargers into a formidable contender in their fiercely competitive division.
Buffalo Bills
While the Bills boast adequate support for MVP candidate Josh Allen, there’s no denying that adding Chris Olave would elevate their receiving corps. With Olave running precision routes, Khalil Shakir maximizing slot opportunities, and rookie Keon Coleman handling contested catches, Allen would find himself at the helm of an exceptionally dynamic and capable group of receivers.
Kansas City Chiefs
The wide receiver room in Kansas City is currently unpredictable, with suspensions casting doubt on the availability of both Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.
Even with those players in the lineup, an addition like Olave would significantly enhance their offensive prowess. Reacquiring that threatening deep and intermediate attack Mahomes is known for could see the Chiefs return to their high-flying ways, ensuring they don’t rely on narrow victories as they did in the past season.
Each of these teams presents intriguing scenarios for both Olave and the receiving end seeking his talents. Whether he stays with the Saints or takes on a new number in a different city, Olave’s next move is sure to have a considerable impact on the NFL landscape.