Bills Inquire About Saints’ Chris Olave as Search for Top Receiver Intensifies

The Buffalo Bills continue to chase a reliable top-tier wide receiver to complement quarterback Josh Allen, more than a year after Stefon Diggs’ departure in 2023 left a void in their offense. The team’s attempt to replace Diggs with veteran Amari Cooper last season fell short of expectations, and 2024 second-round pick Keon Coleman has yet to emerge as a consistent threat in his sophomore campaign. As a result, Buffalo’s offense has lacked the explosive passing dynamic that once made it one of the league’s most dangerous units.

This inconsistency has prompted general manager Brandon Beane and the Bills’ front office to explore trade possibilities as they look to capitalize on their current Super Bowl window. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Buffalo was among several teams to reach out to the New Orleans Saints regarding the potential availability of wide receiver Chris Olave.

Olave, who has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier young receivers, immediately stood out as a natural fit in Buffalo’s offensive system. His speed, route precision, and ability to create separation align perfectly with Allen’s aggressive, downfield passing style. The Bills’ interest underscores their urgency to solidify their receiving corps before the season’s stretch run.

However, initial reports suggest that New Orleans is reluctant to part ways with its star wideout, complicating Buffalo’s pursuit. Still, the inquiry signals the Bills’ willingness to make a bold move to fix what has become their most glaring offensive weakness.

1. Why Olave Fits Buffalo’s Offensive Needs

Chris Olave’s potential arrival in Buffalo would represent a significant upgrade for the Bills’ passing game. The 24-year-old receiver has already posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since entering the league in 2022 and continues to showcase elite separation skills against top cornerbacks. Through eight games this year, Olave has caught 52 passes for 503 yards and three touchdowns, reaffirming his consistency as a primary target in the Saints’ offense. More importantly, Olave’s ability to stretch the field could transform the Bills’ aerial attack. According to Pro Football Focus, Olave ranks among the NFL’s best in producing big plays, tied for 15th in receptions of 20 or more yards alongside stars such as Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. For a Buffalo offense ranked eighth in passing yards but still lacking explosiveness, his presence could provide the balance and versatility it desperately needs. While Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid have emerged as secondary options, neither has proven capable of commanding the attention of opposing defenses like a true No. 1 receiver. Olave’s arrival would not only open up opportunities for them but also ease the pressure on Allen, who has often been forced to rely on his scrambling and arm strength to sustain drives. The Bills’ pursuit of Olave reflects a broader offensive strategy: finding a young, controllable player capable of anchoring their passing game for years to come. In that sense, Olave checks every box the organization has been searching for since Diggs’ exit.

2. Saints Unlikely to Deal Olave — For Now

Despite Buffalo’s interest, the New Orleans Saints reportedly have no plans to trade Olave this season. As Russini noted, the team remains committed to its young receiver, who is under contract through 2026. With New Orleans still in the playoff hunt, moving a player of Olave’s caliber would make little sense from a competitive standpoint. Olave’s long-term deal also gives the Saints significant leverage. At just 25 years old, he remains one of the franchise’s cornerstone pieces alongside quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. That contractual security reduces any urgency for New Orleans to negotiate, especially given Olave’s role as the centerpiece of the team’s offensive identity. Still, the Bills’ inquiry could be a preview of future trade discussions. Buffalo’s front office has shown a willingness to part with premium draft capital in the past — most notably when acquiring Diggs from Minnesota in 2020. If the Saints’ stance softens in the offseason, the Bills could reemerge as a frontrunner in potential trade talks. For now, the report highlights Buffalo’s recognition that their current roster construction may not be enough to keep pace with the AFC’s elite contenders, especially teams like Kansas City, Miami, and Baltimore that boast more dynamic receiving talent.

3. The Bigger Picture for Buffalo’s Super Bowl Push

The Bills’ interest in Olave is about more than just short-term improvement — it’s about sustaining their championship aspirations. Josh Allen remains one of the league’s most gifted quarterbacks, but Buffalo’s inability to surround him with elite playmakers has repeatedly capped their postseason ceiling. Adding a proven, ascending talent like Olave could restore balance to the offense and rejuvenate a team that has oscillated between flashes of brilliance and bouts of inconsistency. His youth and contract control would make him a cornerstone for years to come, bridging the gap between Buffalo’s current core and its next generation of stars. Whether or not a deal materializes this season, the Bills’ pursuit signals a clear message: they are unwilling to stand pat. In an AFC crowded with offensive juggernauts, finding a true No. 1 receiver could be the difference between another playoff disappointment and a legitimate Super Bowl run. For now, all eyes remain on Beane and the front office as the trade market develops — and on whether the Bills can finally give Josh Allen the reliable weapon he’s been missing.