PAYDAY: New Orleans Saints' Chris Olave's Price May Have Just Raised After Drake London's Deal
The New Orleans Saints' Chris Olave is now poised to command a historic contract extension after Atlanta's Drake London signed a massive $141 million deal, effectively reshaping the market for elite wide receivers. Ross Jackson argues that Olave’s superior production—three 1,000-yard seasons, 19 career touchdowns, and a second-team All-Pro year—makes him not just deserving of more than London, but arguably the most valuable wide receiver in the NFL outside of the top tier. With London’s deal serving as a benchmark, Olave’s camp now has undeniable leverage to push for a deal north of $35 million per year, especially given the timing, draft class parity, and franchise history. The episode also dives into critical OTA developments: Jordan Tyson’s cautious return from hamstring injury, the evolving star slot battle, and defensive upgrades with Kool-Aid McKinstry and Julian Blackman regaining starting roles. Meanwhile, rookie Bryce Lance emerges as a potential dark horse, with his elite physical profile and NDSU pedigree suggesting he could become a key rotational weapon in 2026.
Chris Olave’s contract extension is now likely to exceed $35 million per year, directly influenced by Drake London’s $141M deal despite London’s lower production.
Olave’s three 1,000-yard seasons and 19 career touchdowns make him objectively more productive than Drake London, who has only one 1,000-yard season.
Guarantees matter more than average annual value in contracts—Olave’s team can now demand more security based on London’s deal.
Jordan Tyson’s recovery is being managed conservatively; full participation may not happen until training camp to protect his long-term health.
Kool-Aid McKinstry is expected to retain his starting cornerback role, with strong coverage metrics and coach praise from Brandon Staley.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Olave’s Contract Value Skyrockets After London’s Deal
“Chris Olave is going to make his money, especially after Drake London, a lesser wide receiver, got paid effectively what people were saying Chris Olave didn't deserve. Now it's clear, of course he does.”
Why Olave Deserves More Than London
Jackson contrasts Olave’s production—three 1,000-yard seasons, 19 touchdowns, All-Pro honors—with London’s single 1,000-yard season and fewer career highlights, arguing that the market now reflects Olave’s superior value.
Injury Progress and OTA Expectations
The focus shifts to OTA developments, with key attention on Jordan Tyson’s recovery, Christian Miller’s delayed participation, and the overall progress of young players returning from injury.
Position Battles and Offensive Complexity
Jackson previews key position battles, including the star slot role and backup center, and highlights the Saints’ likely push toward more advanced offensive schemes and personnel changes.
Three Players to Watch in Day Two of OTAs
The episode concludes with a spotlight on three key players: cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, safety Julian Blackman, and rookie wide receiver Bryce Lance, all of whom could impact the Saints’ 2026 season.
“Chris Olave is going to make his money, especially after Drake London, a lesser wide receiver, got paid effectively what people were saying Chris Olave didn't deserve. Now it's clear, of course he does.”
“He finished off the 2025 season very strong. Brandon Staley loves working with him, and he had a pretty strong opening practice in OTAs last week. Barely was thrown at.”
“Bryce Lance is that unique combination that every team looks for at the wide receiver position, height, weight, speed. It's what every team wants when it comes to the position.”
Host
New Orleans Saints
organization
Chris Olave
person
Drake London
person
Kool-Aid McKinstry
person
Jordan Tyson
person
Julian Blackman
person
Bryce Lance
person
Atlanta Falcons
organization
Brandon Staley
person
North Dakota State University
organization
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