New details of Chris Olave’s contract extension reveal an unusual layer of protection for the New Orleans Saints. The provision addresses two serious medical issues the star wideout has experienced during his four-year NFL career.
The contract identifies “concussions and respiratory pulmonary embolism” as pre-existing conditions, according to NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill.ESPN’s Katherine Terrell confirmed that if Olave is no longer medically cleared to play football because of either condition, his injury guarantees can be voided. The process requires Saints doctors to consult an independent third-party specialist before the team’s doctor makes the final decision on Olave’s medical clearance. That determination is considered “final and binding,” and all injury guarantees would become void if Olave cannot be cleared because of either listed condition — including a deterioration or aggravation of one.
Of course, the language directly reflects what Olave's medical history has shown. Multiple concussions limited him to just eight games in 2024. The 26-year-old WR has suffered, at least, four concussions during his professional career — and he dealt with at least one concussion during his college career at Ohio State. Doctors detected a blood clot in Olave's lung before the Saints' 2025 season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. He was expected to make a full recovery, though the Saints limited his participation during portions of the offseason while he remained on blood thinners. Ahead of training camp, Olave was fully cleared, and he remains a daily participant in practice.
Olave and the team agreed to a four-year extension carrying a base value of $124 million and a maximum value of $132 million. The agreement contains just over $90 million in total guarantees, with around $52.7 million fully guaranteed when the deal was signed, according to Over the Cap. Despite the injury protections, New Orleans still made a significant long-term commitment to Olave after a career-best 2025 season. He caught 100 passes for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns while earning second-team All-Pro honors. It gives the Saints protection against the two medical conditions that have most threatened Olave’s availability, while also rewarding him with a contract that reflects his production.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Chris Olave's new contract includes unique guarantee protections
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