The Buffalo Bills are looking like a genuine force sitting at 3–0, but some fans and analysts still think something’s missing: a dominant WR1.
Chris Olave — stuck on a struggling, cap-strapped New Orleans Saints team — might be the perfect player to put Buffalo’s passing game over the top.
The Saints don’t look as if they’re going anywhere this season, and they have Rashid Shaheed on an expiring contract and Chris Olave with one year (his fifth-year option) left on his deal,” ESPN insider Dan Graziano wrote on September 24, adding:
“Would their new coaching staff make either or both of those players available? … I don’t think we can rule out teams such as Buffalo, Kansas City, Green Bay and/or San Francisco if the right impact receiver becomes available.”
A Glance Back at Olave’s Career This Far
The 6-foot, 187-pound Olave’s career has been everything scouts promised thus far. The former 11th overall pick opened with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023, catching 72 passes for 1,042 yards and four scores as a rookie and following it up with 87 receptions, 1,123 yards and five touchdowns in Year 2.
A concussion-marred 2024 limited him to eight games, but he’s healthy again and playing well this season. He has 23 catches for 165 yards through three weeks, including a 10-grab performance in Week 3.
A polished route runner capable of winning at every level, it’d be undeniably intriguing to see what a pairing with Allen might look like.
What’s Going on in New Orleans?
GettyShould the Buffalo Bills try to trade for New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave?
Heading into Week 4, the Saints look like a team on the verge of big decisions. They’re off to an 0–3 start under new head coach Kellen Moore, and they have none other than the Bills on the docket next, so Buffalo should be able to get a closer look at Olave soon.
New Orleans exercised Olave’s fifth-year option for 2026, which keeps him cost-controlled, but it also gives them leverage to move him for draft capital if this season keeps going south. Wouldn’t they at least have to listen if a contender comes calling with premium picks?
The price probably won’t be cheap — a future second-round pick might do it, considering his injury history. With the AFC there for the taking and Buffalo’s offense already operating at a high level, it might behoove GM Brandon Beane to put in a call.
More on Why the Buffalo Bills Should Try to Trade for Saints WR Chris Olave
Since taking over play-calling duties in late 2023, Bills OC Joe Brady has kept the Bills near the top of the league in expected points added per pass, using multiple personnel groupings and plenty of motion to create mismatches. Adding a route technician like Olave would make Brady’s offense all the more terrifying for opposing DCs.
There’s certainly some risk management to consider — mainly Olave’s 2024 concussion issues — but early returns this fall suggest he’s back to a full workload without limitations. His contract is still inexpensive for 2025, and with the fifth-year option in place for 2026, the Bills would control two prime years before any long-term extension talk. For a franchise trying to maximize Allen’s prime, that cost certainty matters.
It’ll be interesting to see if Beane makes any major moves before the November 4 trade deadline. If he does, he might want to take a long look at Olave.
NFL Insider Names Bills as Top Trade Partners for Saints Playmaking WR