
04/24/2025
Saints Commit to Olave, Decline Penning's Option Amid Roster Evaluations!
In a recent pre-draft press conference, New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis announced that the team will pick up the fifth-year option for wide receiver Chris Olave but will decline the option for offensive tackle Trevor Penning.
Olave, who was drafted 11th overall in 2022, has become a major piece of the Saints' offense. Even though he missed nine games during the 2024 season due to concussions, he’s posted 191 receptions for 2,565 yards and 10 touchdowns in 39 games. The fifth-year option locks him in through the 2026 season and is valued at around $15.49 million.
Meanwhile, Penning—taken 19th overall in the same draft—has had a more inconsistent path. He started all 17 games in 2024 but concerns about his development and readiness have lingered. By turning down his $16.69 million option, the Saints are allowing Penning to play out the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, which becomes a critical year for him to prove his worth.
Loomis made it clear that not picking up Penning's option doesn’t mean the team has given up on him, saying, "That doesn't mean we don't love Trevor and expect him to be part of the team going forward." It seems the Saints are keeping their options open, possibly looking to add depth to the offensive line during the upcoming draft.
Loomis also provided an update on quarterback Derek Carr, who’s been absent from team activities since suffering a shoulder injury on April 11. The team is still waiting for more information on his condition before giving any timeline on his return.
All of these decisions reflect the Saints’ focus on balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term roster flexibility as they head into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Story by Adrian Heart of Gaming
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