When the rumor mills spun fast and trade murmurs dominated conversations, New Orleans Saints wideout Chris Olave chose roots over runway lights. Appearing on the Up and Adams Show recently, he shut down the rumors and hinted at something big brewing on the horizon.

“I want to be in New Orleans forever,” Olave said. “I know it’s a tough time right now, but I love it out here. I love the people, I love the culture, I love the fans. And I love the new coaching staff in the front office.”

On the show, host Kay Adams asked Olave about the rumors of a contract extension instead of a trade for the fourth-year receiver. His answer further cemented his place with the Saints.

“We’re in the works right now and hope it gets done soon,” he noted. “But like I said, I want to be here for my whole career.”

This extension talk has been brewing since early in the season. The Saints exercised their fifth-year option, securing him through 2026 at $15.49 million. But both sides would want something longer before free agency hits in 2027.

Projections vary, but Spotrac has recently projected Chris Olave’s new deal to be around $77 million for four years. Others also take the number north of $100 million, given that his performance backs it up. The only gap? Injury concerns.

Last season, Olave missed nine games after suffering multiple concussions. But ‘22 and ‘23 saw him post 1,000-yard campaigns consecutively. And this year, through 10 games, he’s already amassed 60 catches for 664 yards and 4 touchdowns. And that’s with a shaky quarterback room. If he can avoid injuries, it looks like another 1,000-yard season could be in the works for him.

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough needs that reliability as he develops. Losing Olave would’ve gutted the rebuild. Here’s the thing: Olave had options.

The Kansas City Chiefs circled as projected buyers as they weighed bolstering their receiving corps. Other contenders made calls. Yet, the 25-year-old has doubled down on staying put despite the Saints’ rocky 2-8 start.

Trade deadline and the Saints’ decision on Chris Olave

The Chiefs’ case for the trade was easy. Xavier Worthy’s shoulder injury limited him early. The depth behind Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster looked thin. SI’s Blake Silverman felt Olave would be a good fit.

“Running back Alvin Kamara and receiver Chris Olave come to mind as potential targets for other franchises hoping to fill holes during the season,” Silverman wrote. “The 49ers and Chiefs could be among the squads interested in beefing up their receiver rooms.”

But not this year. The Chiefs stuck to their existing depth as the trade deadline came and went. KC seemed satisfied with developing its own roster instead of finding rentals. Meanwhile, the Saints went the opposite direction.

New Orleans shipped speed receiver Rashid Shaheed to Seattle for fourth and fifth-round picks. Offensive tackle Trevor Penning went to the Chargers for a 2027 sixth. Both deals screamed asset accumulation.

Yet, they kept Olave, as well as Alvin Kamara, who threatened retirement if traded. The message from the Saints? Rebuild around core pieces, not blow it all up.

Olave’s commitment gives New Orleans something to build on. After their bye week, the Saints enter Week 12 facing the Atlanta Falcons with their top receiver locked in mentally. And somewhere beyond this season, a shiny new deal might be waiting for him to sign.