Well, it’s safe to say the New Orleans Saints won their draft-day Chris Olave trade with the Washington Commanders back in 2022. The Commanders traded another player they got with the picks New Orleans sold to move up for Olave in that year’s draft, parting ways with former first-round wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Meanwhile, Olave is coming off of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Remember, the Saints traded up to No. 11 in exchange for their picks at Nos. 16, 98 and 120. Washington made some other moves with those picks to acquire the following players:
- WR Jahan Dotson
- RB Brian Robinson Jr.
- QB Sam Howell
- TE Cole Turner
Two of them have already been dealt to other teams, with Dotson going to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. Howell was traded to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year. Turner has been limited to 22 of the last 34 games while Robinson has found moderate success as their lead running back.
And the Saints are continuing to lean on Olave. Guys like Rashid Shaheed, Juwan Johnson, and Alvin Kamara will demand targets but he’s by far the most-accomplished young player in the room. Olave is both the present and the future at wide receiver for the Saints and his usage will reflect that. Expect another big year for No. 12 in 2024.
It’s just a shame the Saints haven’t gotten similar production out of Trevor Penning, who they spent several future draft picks to acquire in a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Penning is fighting for a spot in the starting lineup after getting benched and moved from left tackle to right, which is disappointing no matter how you spin it.
