Pundits have previously connected the Pittsburgh Steelers with New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave through trade rumors. That’s started again this week with Steelers starting receiver Calvin Austin III beginning the week of practice on the sideline.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox placed Olave at the very top of his Week 6 NFL trade block big board Tuesday. Knox picked the Steelers as one of two potential suitors.
“If the Saints are looking to cash in veteran talent as part of their rebuild, wideout Chris Olave would likely be their top trade chip,” wrote Knox.
“The 25-year-old has two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume and appears to again be healthy after injuries limited him to eight games in 2024….
“Olave should be high on the wish list of receiver-needy teams.”
Knox also referenced Olave’s contract as an appealing part of trading for Olave. Furthermore, the Saints reportedly possess a willingness to listen to trade proposals.
Olave has two years remaining on his rookie contract. That means he isn’t just a rental player for a contender this season.
Spotrac projected Olave’s market value for his next deal to be $53.1 million on a three-year contract.
Knox connected the Steelers to Olave as Austin didn’t practice Wednesday to begin preparations for Week 6. Austin suffered a shoulder injury on September 28 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Saints Willing to Trade WR Chris Olave?
Multiple Steelers insiders in May reported the Steelers “checked in” on Olave. According to reports, the Saints didn’t immediately shut down the trade possibility, but Penn Live’s Nick Farabaugh explained the Saints weren’t very interested in a potential move.
Therefore, the trade compensation for Olave was not going to “be light.”
The asking price probably hasn’t gone down much. Knox proposed Olave’s projected trade value on the market is a conditional 2026 first-round pick.
But there seems to be more of a willingness on the Saints’ part to get a deal done. Although he didn’t address Olave specifically, that’s what Saints insider Nick Underhill suggested on October 4.
Olave is averaging just 7.4 yards per catch this season. But he’s on the field. Olave missed nine games after he suffered his third career concussion last season.
While his efficiency is done, Olave has 33 catches with 244 receiving yards in five contests this season. His 6.6 receptions per game are a career best.
Could the Steelers Acquire Olave?
Pundits were calling for the Steelers to make a big move at receiver even before Austin’s injury. With Austin likely to be sidelined for the foreseeable future, arguments for the Steelers to acquire a wideout such as Olave will be louder.
The Steelers could use another outside playmaker opposite DK Metcalf. With Austin sidelined, Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek are expected to split opportunities at WR2.
Olave would be a significant upgrade.
Whether the Steelers want to make such an aggressive move could depend on how long Austin will be out. The coaching staff hasn’t really updated Austin’s status in part because of the team’s Week 5 bye.
It’s noteworthy, though, that Austin has yet to land on injured reserve.
The fact Olave has two years remaining on his contract is a great thing. But a first-round pick is a high price to pay, especially when the Steelers will likely be in the market for a quarterback in next year’s draft.
Olave will also be expensive to re-sign after two seasons. This past offseason, the Steelers signed Metcalf to a four-year, $132 million deal.
Another $53 million to a second receiver might not be feasible. If that’s the case, regardless of the short-term benefits, the Steelers can’t really afford to give up a first-round pick for Olave.
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