After four years with the New Orleans Saints, star receiver Chris Olave could be on the move at the 2025 NFL trade deadline. Several teams have expressed interest in the young wideout, with the San Francisco 49ers emerging as a potential late sleeper candidate for his services.
### 49ers’ Receiving Situation in 2025
The 49ers have traditionally been well-stocked at receiver, and 2025 is no different. Although they traded star Deebo Samuel in the offseason, the move was largely to create space for rising talents Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. Both Jennings and Pearsall have had standout moments this season, but injuries have limited their time on the field.
As a result, Christian McCaffrey has become San Francisco’s leading receiver early on, with Kendrick Bourne stepping up as a surprisingly effective target in the passing game. This pattern of injuries reflects a recurring issue for the 49ers: despite their ample talent, their stars often underperform due to availability concerns.
### Chris Olave’s Injury History and Contract Situation
Adding Olave—a 25-year-old with a history of injuries, including four concussions in four NFL seasons—does little to alleviate those health concerns. However, the 49ers may view him as a worthwhile gamble, especially if used as part of a trade involving Jauan Jennings, who has publicly expressed frustration over his contract situation.
Olave faces a similar scenario in New Orleans. Despite being eligible for a contract extension this offseason, he has not yet received one. The Saints’ hesitancy to commit long-term to Olave has fueled trade rumors, though the team maintains it plans to keep him around.
### Trade Outlook
The most likely outcome is that Olave remains with the Saints through the trade deadline. Yet, the 49ers are well aware of how quickly situations can evolve—having insisted they wouldn’t trade Samuel during the 2024 season, only to move him early in the offseason.
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### 49ers’ Potential Trade Proposal for Chris Olave
**49ers receive:**
– WR Chris Olave
– 2027 sixth-round pick
**Saints receive:**
– WR Jauan Jennings
– 2026 fourth-round pick
The 49ers need a consistent, reliable receiver, while the Saints would gain a valuable draft pick and a solid veteran presence. Although Jennings, who is three years older than Olave and has a shorter track record of success, may not be an ideal return for the Saints, he remains a dependable wideout capable of leading a passing game.
Despite his frequent injuries in 2025, Jennings has been San Francisco’s steadier receiver over his career. He offers Spencer Rattler another reliable option, especially in one-on-one man coverage—an area where New Orleans currently lacks a true go-to threat, including Olave.
### Benefits for Both Teams
For the 49ers, acquiring Olave would immediately boost a somewhat underwhelming passing attack. While Pearsall looks poised to be the team’s future No. 1 receiver, Olave’s addition—combined with the eventual return of Brandon Aiyuk—could create one of the league’s most dynamic three-man receiver groups.
On the other hand, the Saints would likely need to extend Jennings after acquiring him, which could complicate matters given their hesitancy to extend Olave. Still, securing a reliable veteran receiver would be a positive step for New Orleans’ offense.
More importantly, the 2026 fourth-round pick included in the deal would be highly valuable for a Saints team undergoing a rebuild. Currently, New Orleans holds just six selections in that draft, so adding an extra fourth-rounder—an asset the 49ers can afford given multiple picks at that level—would be a significant boost.
A draft pick swap, with the Saints sending their final 2027 selection to San Francisco, could help finalize the deal and make it mutually beneficial.
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### Conclusion
While none of the options are perfect for either team, a trade involving Chris Olave and Jauan Jennings—with accompanying draft picks—represents a plausible path forward. Both franchises have clear needs and a desire to manage their rosters effectively, making this potential swap worth watching as the 2025 trade deadline approaches.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/49ers-perfect-trade-offer-chris-olave-saints