Chris Olave silenced doubters with a career year, shattering franchise records and securing his elite playmaker status after a career-threatening 2024 season.
The 2025 NFL season was a definitive crossroads for Chris Olave. After a grueling 2024 season marred by multiple concussions that limited him to just eight games and left him contemplating retirement at age 24, the Saints wide receiver delivered a "career year" that silenced the skeptics and solidified his status as an elite playmaker.
The Statistical Breakout
Olave didn't just return to form; he set new benchmarks for himself and the Saints franchise. Finishing the year with 100 receptions, 1,163 yards, and 9 touchdowns, he led the team in every major receiving category.
- Elite Company: He became only the second player in Saints history to cross the century mark in receptions, joining Michael Thomas.
- Third-Down Dominance: Olave proved to be the league's most reliable chain-mover, leading the NFL with seven touchdown catches on third down and finishing third overall in third-down receptions.
- Late-Season Surge: His performance skyrocketed as the season closed. Over the final three games, he averaged 117 yards per game and hauled in four touchdowns, developing a lethal connection with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
Critical Peaks and Valleys
While his end-of-season accolades included an AP Second-Team All-Pro selection that paints a picture of perfection, the journey was not without its hurdles.
Early in the season, Olave faced scrutiny for a "slow start" under quarterback Spencer Rattler. Critics pointed to a Week 6 performance against the Patriots where, despite 98 yards, a 60% catch rate and critical drops fueled doubts about his consistency. However, his Week 16 performance against the New York Jets (10 catches, 148 yards, 2 TDs) served as a loud reminder of his high ceiling.
All this occurred after the 2024 season where Olave suffered multiple concussions, including a serious one in November 2024 against the Carolina Panthers that led to him being strapped to a backboard. This incident caused him to miss nine games and contemplate retiring at just 24 years old.
After seeking counsel from specialists and relying on family support, Olave decided to return for the 2025 season. He described the process as "tough," noting the mental hurdle of returning to the same field where he was injured.
Despite the challenges, Olave put up career-high numbers in 2025, reaching over 1,000 receiving yards and scoring multiple touchdowns.
2025 Season Stats
- Receptions: 100
- Receiving Yards: 1,163
- Receiving Touchdowns: 9
- Targets: 156
- Games Played: 15 (missed final game due to illness)
- Yards Per Reception: 11.6
The Verdict: A Resilient Foundation
The 2025 season was a triumph of resilience over personal hardship. Olave’s ability to thrive under new Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore while navigating the uncertainty of a rookie quarterback transition speaks to his maturity and technical growth.
Despite missing the final week of the season due to a blood clot, Olave’s performance has put him in a prime position for a major contract extension. He is no longer just a "promising young talent", he is the clear centerpiece of the Saints' offensive future. That comeback was REAL.
Final 2025 Performance Grade: A-
"I just gave it another try, another chance. And it's been a great year through all the ups and downs." — Chris Olave, Jan. 2026