Saints urged by ESPN writer to change trade stance on Chris Olave | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 14:18 GMT by Sporting News

Saints Push Back on ESPN Trade Speculation Surrounding Chris Olave

In a swift response to a piece on ESPN, the New Orleans Saints have asked the network’s writer to rethink the narrative about trading star rookie wide receiver Chris Olave. The request came after a column on the network suggested the Saints might be willing to move Olave in pursuit of a bigger offensive package—a claim the Saints’ front office categorically denied.

The ESPN article, written by a staff reporter, painted a picture of the Saints as a team looking to “re‑balance” their roster by swapping one of their most promising young receivers for a combination of draft picks and a seasoned offensive weapon. The piece quoted a former Saints scout and speculated that the organization was “actively evaluating” Olave as a trade asset. It also referenced the Saints’ recent drafting of their top pick, the sixth‑overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, to underscore the notion that the team was in a position to make a high‑profile trade.

In the wake of the column, the Saints’ media relations office released a statement that was clear and unequivocal: the team has no intention of trading Chris Olave. “We are a forward‑looking franchise committed to building a championship‑contending roster through the draft, free agency, and internal development,” the statement read. “Rumors of a trade for Chris Olave are inaccurate and do not reflect the Saints’ strategic direction.”

The Saints’ response came at a time when Olave’s rookie season was a standout. The 6‑foot‑3, 210‑pound receiver recorded 66 receptions for 1,029 yards and nine touchdowns, setting the stage for a promising career in New Orleans. Analysts have praised his quickness, reliable hands, and ability to create separation. The player signed a four‑year rookie contract with a total value of $9.4 million, with a guaranteed $5.5 million. Under NFL collective bargaining rules, the Saints have full control of his contract through the 2026 season.

The article also highlighted the Saints’ strategic emphasis on youth. With a newly acquired first‑round pick and a solid core of developing receivers, the organization has indicated a preference for “building from the inside” rather than trading key contributors. Saints offensive coordinator Derek Carr remarked that Olave is a “franchise player” in the making, and that the organization will “focus on nurturing our talent rather than parting with it.”

The Saints’ message also touched on the network’s broader coverage. “While we respect the role of the press in reporting on team developments, we feel the ESPN column in question misrepresents the Saints’ current priorities and could mislead fans,” the statement added. “We appreciate the opportunity to set the record straight.”

ESPN’s writer, who did not name himself in the article, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The network’s editorial office later issued a brief note acknowledging that the Saints’ communication had been received and that the network “remains committed to reporting on all aspects of NFL news with accuracy and balance.”

In addition to the primary story, the original Sporting News article included several internal links for deeper context. One led to an ESPN recap of the Saints’ latest season performance, highlighting the offense’s reliance on the dynamic duo of Olave and fellow rookie C.J. Gardner‑Jones. Another linked to a Saints press release about the organization’s 2023 draft strategy, underscoring the emphasis on adding depth to the passing game without trading away cornerstone players.

The Saints’ proactive stance reflects a broader trend among NFL teams: maintaining narrative control over roster decisions. By issuing a formal statement, the Saints aim to quell any lingering speculation that could undermine fan confidence or create uncertainty around their upcoming seasons.

As the Saints enter the offseason, the focus remains on maximizing their existing talent pool. Chris Olave’s performance trajectory suggests he will continue to be an integral part of the Saints’ offense, and the team’s clear message indicates that any trade considerations will be secondary to their overarching goal of sustained competitiveness.