In a landscape buzzing with offseason trade chatter, former Ohio State standout Chris Olave has emerged as a compelling trade target for the Pittsburgh Steelers following Aaron Rodgers’ recent arrival. While the New Orleans Saints haven’t signaled any intention to move him, speculation continues to swirl around Olave’s future, especially in light of Pittsburgh’s goal to bolster its receiving corps alongside the impressive D.K. Metcalf.
So, what’s the appeal of Olave for the Steelers? For starters, he represents a budding star on a rookie contract — a valuable asset that Pittsburgh doesn’t currently have. Pairing him with Metcalf would create a potent one-two punch, signaling the Steelers are fully committed to making a run with Rodgers at the helm. According to sources, acquiring Olave could involve sending a mix of future picks, including second and fourth-round selections, to New Orleans. While parting with early draft capital isn’t always ideal, it could be a gamble worth taking if Olave provides the spark their offense craves.
When it comes to his on-field performance, Olave has shown flashes of brilliance. Despite being limited to just eight games last season due to concussion issues — a serious concern — he’s posted impressive numbers throughout his career. In his first two seasons, he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in back-to-back campaigns (2022 and 2023), showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against defenses.
Olave’s college days at Ohio State also speak volumes about his talent. He may not have hit the 1,000-yard milestone in a single season during his time in Columbus, but he did lead the Big Ten in receiving touchdowns on two separate occasions, indicating a knack for finding the end zone. Drafted by New Orleans with the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, he quickly adjusted to the rigors of the professional game, establishing himself as a reliable target.
As the offseason progresses and the Steelers look to fine-tune their roster, the possibility of Olave donning the black and gold is one that fans and analysts alike are eager to explore. If Pittsburgh makes this move, it could be the boost they need to become serious contenders in the upcoming season.
