Saints pick up option for Chris Olave, not Trevor Penning

Field Level Media|published: Wed 23rd April, 14:17 2025

Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) on the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints are picking up the fifth-year option for wideout Chris Olave but not for their other 2022 first-round pick, offensive tackle Trevor Penning.

General manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the moves during Wednesday's pre-draft press conference and also provided an update on quarterback Derek Carr's health.

"He does have an issue with his shoulder," Loomis said. "We're hoping to get some resolution and some clarity on that in the near future. And when we do, I'll report back to you. Otherwise, I don't have anything more on Derek."

Carr, 34, has not been seen around the team facility since news of his shoulder injury broke on April 11, three days before the start of voluntary offseason workouts.

The Saints selected Olave with the 11th overall pick and Penning with the 19th in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Olave, 24, began his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons before missing nine games in 2024 with multiple concussions. He has 191 catches for 2,565 yards and 10 touchdowns in 39 games (28 starts).

Olave will earn $15.49 million in 2026 under the fifth-year option.

Penning, who turns 26 next month, started all 17 games last season and has started 23 of 40 games overall.

With the Saints declining his $16.69 million option for 2026, Penning will play the final season of his rookie deal in 2025.

--Field Level Media

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