Reports of the Pittsburgh Steelers expressing interest in New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave sent waves through the NFL over the weekend, sparking immediate speculation about what it would take to pry the rising star from the Saints. According to PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh, that cost would be anything but cheap.
Farabaugh reported Sunday that “the trade cost for Olave would not be light,” citing league sources who suggested it would take at least a Day 2 pick most likely a second-round selection to even get the Saints to pick up the phone.
“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 consider trading him,” Farabaugh wrote. “Given the Saints have no reason or desire to move Olave, the cost is likely higher than that.”
The 2022 first-round pick has quickly emerged as a top target in New Orleans, showcasing polished route-running and consistent production despite instability at quarterback. With the Saints under no pressure to move Olave and still viewing him as a centerpiece of their offense, any realistic offer would have to be overwhelming.
While the Steelers are clearly looking to upgrade their receiving corps, pulling off a blockbuster for Olave would require both significant draft capital and a willingness from the Saints to shift their long-term vision—a combination that makes such a move feel unlikely, at least for now.
Chris Olave has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most promising young receivers since entering the league. Drafted No. 11 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Olave wasted no time making an impact, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023.
In his rookie year, Olave showcased elite route-running and deep-threat ability, finishing with over 1,000 receiving yards despite inconsistent quarterback play. He followed it up with another strong start to the 2023 season, recording 32 catches for 400 yards and a touchdown in just eight games before a concussion sidelined him for the remainder of the year. At just 24 years old, Olave’s ceiling remains high, and his early production speaks to his value in the Saints’ offense.
Given his pedigree, production, and age, it’s no surprise the Saints are reportedly unwilling to entertain trade offers unless they’re overwhelming. Any team, including the Steelers, would need to offer significant draft capital likely starting with a second-round pick to even spark a conversation.
Steelers ‘Check In’ on Saints WR Chris Olave
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ interest in New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave sparked a whirlwind of speculation this weekend, but early optimism among fans may have been premature.
While 93.7 The Fan’s Adam Crowley first reported that the Steelers had inquired about Olave on Friday, and Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders confirmed the communication, it turns out the conversation may have been nothing more than a standard league “check in.” PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh added clarity on Sunday, reporting that “the trade cost for Olave would not be light,” and that the Saints are not motivated to move him.
“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 consider trading him,” Farabaugh wrote. “Given the Saints have no reason or desire to move Olave, the cost is likely higher than that.”
Olave, 24, was drafted 11th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State and quickly made a name for himself with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, he logged 32 receptions for 400 yards and a touchdown in just eight games before a concussion cut his season short. That injury marked his fourth documented concussion in the NFL and fifth since college.
Given his talent and age, it’s understandable why Pittsburgh would want to pursue a player of Olave’s caliber, especially as they continue to retool their receiving corps. But Farabaugh emphasized that interest alone doesn’t equal progress toward a trade.
‘The Steelers would love to acquire a player of Olave’s talents, but the two sides must be interested in this,” Farabaugh noted. “These due diligence calls to ‘check in’ happen all the time across the NFL.”
Ultimately, the “bad news” for the Steelers may not be the high asking price—it’s that the Saints reportedly aren’t interested in moving on from one of their top offensive weapons. While Olave’s concussion history and the Saints’ murky competitive outlook could leave the door cracked open, the team still views him as a core building block moving forward.
For now, any dream of Olave donning black and gold appears to be just that—a dream.
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