Context:

The New York Jets, having moved on from Aaron Rodgers and now led by Justin Fields, are struggling to surround their quarterback with strong receiving talent, with Garrett Wilson being the only notable pass-catcher. Despite a lackluster free agency and draft performance regarding wide receivers, the team is urged to pursue New Orleans Saints' wideout Chris Olave, who has a history with Fields and Wilson from their Ohio State days. Olave's potential availability arises from the Saints' possible rebuilding phase following Derek Carr's retirement and his own concussion issues, which might lower trade demands. Olave has demonstrated superstar potential, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark in his first two seasons despite inconsistent quarterback play. This trade could be pivotal for the Jets, giving Fields the necessary weapons to excel and taking advantage of the AFC East's open second-place spot behind the Buffalo Bills.

Dive Deeper:

• The New York Jets have transitioned to Justin Fields as their quarterback in 2025 but have failed to adequately support him with top-tier receiving options, relying heavily on Garrett Wilson with little else of note in their arsenal.

• New York's free agency and draft efforts fell short, with no significant wide receiver acquisitions and a fourth-round draft pick, Arian Smith, being seen as a stretch at his position, leaving the team in dire need of a reliable second option.

• Chris Olave, a standout wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, could be a target for the Jets through a trade, especially given his familiarity with Fields and Wilson from their time at Ohio State, which could rekindle their on-field chemistry.

• Olave's potential trade stems from the Saints' potential rebuilding phase after Derek Carr's retirement and his own injury history, which might make the Saints consider offers despite his proven ability, having surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in his first two NFL seasons.

• Olave's consistent performance under various quarterbacks, including Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston, underscores his capability, making him a valuable asset that could be acquired by the Jets for potentially a third-round pick, a price deemed reasonable for his talents.

• The acquisition of Olave could significantly bolster the Jets' offensive capabilities, providing Justin Fields with a crucial partner to elevate his performance and helping the team compete for a higher standing in the AFC East division.

• Head coach Aaron Glenn's connections with the Saints might facilitate a smooth trade for Olave, positioning the Jets to address their most glaring offensive weakness and potentially revitalize their season prospects.

• The New York Jets decided to move on from Aaron Rodgers in favor of Justin Fields in 2025, but the team has done a poor job surrounding Fields with talent.

• Outside of Garrett Wilson, there is nothing to write home about when it comes to Jets pass-catchers, unless you love Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds.

• The Jets didn't make any big moves in free agency at the position, and they didn't take a wide receiver until the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft in Arian Smith, who was widely considered a reach in that spot.

• New York did add tight end Mason Taylor in the draft, also, but expecting the rookie to make the kind of impact the Jets need in Year 1 is expecting too much.

• With the Jets' need at wide receiver abundantly clear, Last Word on Sports' David Latham wants to see New York make a play for New Orleans Saints star wideout Chris Olave.

• "The New York Jets have a great young receiver in Garrett Wilson and not much else," Latham writes. "Justin Fields challenges defenses as a dual-threat quarterback, but he still needs another reliable set of hands to reach his ceiling. The Buffalo Bills reign supreme atop the AFC East, but second place is wide open. New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has a history with the New Orleans Saints and should have the connections to pull off a Chris Olave trade."

• Now, there has been no indication that the Saints are going to trade Olave, but if the team decides to finally blow it up in the wake Derek Carr's retirement, he may become available.

• Olave has one more year left on his contract after 2025 thanks to the fifth-year option, and his long-term outlook isn't great after he has unfortunately suffered multiple concussions during his time in the NFL.

• Of course, all of that could scare away the Jets, but we tend to believe New York would still be interested in a trade for Olave considering their massive need.

• Prior to his injury-shortened 2024 campaign, Olave broke the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first two seasons in the NFL, putting him on a superstar trajectory.

• Making those numbers more impressive, Olave had the likes of Andy Dalton, Jameis Winston and Derek Carr throwing him the football over three years.

• Olave is already familiar with both Fields and Wilson, as the trio were teammates together at Ohio State. And, he would instantly give Fields the one-two punch he needs in order to succeed in what is a crucial season for his career.

• It's safe to assume that Olave wouldn't cost more than a third-round pick in a trade. At that price, he would be well worth the swing for the Jets.

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