Chiefs Trade Pitch Lands Them Player Who Surpassed 1,000 Receiving Yards in His First Season for a Huge Price
The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 season with plenty of questions on offense. With Rashee Rice sidelined, rookie Xavier Worthy still adjusting to the NFL game, and veteran Travis Kelce looking far from his dominant self, Patrick Mahomes has had to carry a heavy burden through the air.
That’s why some analysts believe now is the time for Kansas City to swing big. The latest trade pitch has the Chiefs going all-in to acquire Chris Olave from the New Orleans Saints — a young wide receiver who topped 1,000 yards in his rookie season and is viewed as a legitimate WR1 in the making.
Olave, however, comes with complications. The talented receiver suffered a concussion earlier this year that forced him to miss more than half of the 2025 season so far. While his upside remains high, there is an element of risk attached to investing major draft capital in a player with durability concerns.
From the Saints’ perspective, a deal could make sense. Olave has fewer than two years left on his rookie contract, with a fifth-year option available in 2026. His projected salary of roughly $15.5 million is manageable, but it’s clear he will be seeking an extension worth double that amount once eligible. New Orleans, currently stuck in roster limbo, may be open to dealing him for the right price.
So what would that price look like? Analysts point to the 2022 A.J. Brown trade — when the Titans sent their young receiver to the Eagles for a first-round pick and change — as the closest comparison. Olave likely wouldn’t command quite as much given his recent injury, but the Saints would still expect at least a late first-rounder or an early second-round pick in return.
For the Chiefs, it’s a gamble worth considering. While Olave has yet to establish himself as a top-five wideout like Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase, his route-running and playmaking ability are undeniable. On a rookie contract, he represents rare value for a team that has long been searching for a reliable wide receiver to pair with Mahomes.
If Kansas City wants to keep pace in the AFC arms race, a bold move may be necessary. And if Chris Olave is truly available, this could be the blockbuster addition that recharges the Chiefs’ offense.