As the New Orleans Saints look ahead to the 2025 NFL season, the team finds itself at a crossroads in its pursuit of another championship. With an offense that has shown flashes of brilliance but also stretches of inconsistency, the Saints are widely considered to be on the brink of becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender—if they can address a few key areas of need. One glaring opportunity for improvement lies in their receiving corps.
While Chris Olave has quickly emerged as the clear-cut number one receiver for New Orleans, the addition of another star wideout to pair with him could transform the Saints’ offense into one of the most explosive in the league. Enter the rumor mill: a 26-touchdown (TD) star wide receiver who could be the missing piece to elevate the Saints’ passing game to new heights.
### The Case for Adding a 26-TD Star Wide Receiver
In today’s NFL, having a dynamic one-two punch at wide receiver can be the difference between a good offense and a great one. Chris Olave, entering his third season with the Saints, has already showcased elite potential. A former first-round pick out of Ohio State, Olave’s ability to stretch the field with precise route running, great hands, and a flair for the big play has made him a favorite target for New Orleans quarterbacks. In the 2024 season, he was the focal point of the offense, recording over 1,200 yards and 8 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the top young receivers in the game.
However, despite Olave’s ascension, the Saints’ offense has lacked a consistent second option at receiver. The departure of Michael Thomas, who was once one of the best in the game, left a significant void that New Orleans has struggled to fill. Marques Callaway and Rashid Shaheed have shown promise, but neither has been able to consistently produce at a level that would force defenses to respect the Saints’ passing game beyond Olave.
This is where the 26-TD wide receiver—let’s say a player like DeVonta Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles or Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts—could come into play. A wideout who has demonstrated the ability to score in bunches, especially in the red zone, would complement Olave’s skill set perfectly and give the Saints a formidable duo that defenses would have to game-plan for.
### What a Star WR Could Bring to the Saints
1. **Red Zone Threat**: One of the most important traits of a star wide receiver is the ability to make plays in the red zone. While Olave has the ability to stretch the field and create big plays, a 26-TD receiver typically excels in high-pressure situations close to the end zone. With this addition, the Saints could build a potent two-man attack, with Olave drawing attention on deep routes and the new wideout becoming a prime target in critical situations.
2. **More Balanced Offense**: The Saints have often been predictable offensively, especially when Olave is the only real receiving threat. Adding a second dynamic wideout would force defenses to spread their coverage, making it harder to double-team or shade coverage to Olave’s side. This would give quarterback Derek Carr more options, creating opportunities for a more balanced attack. A lethal receiving duo would open up the ground game as well, as defenders would be more reluctant to stack the box against Alvin Kamara or a potential new running back acquisition.
3. **Big Play Ability**: Olave already possesses exceptional deep-threat capability, but pairing him with another elite wideout who can take the top off the defense would make the Saints’ passing attack near-unstoppable. If the new WR has proven he can score a variety of ways, from explosive deep catches to consistent chain-moving grabs, it forces defenses to respect both sides of the field. The Saints could attack in all three levels—short, intermediate, and deep—keeping defenses on their heels.
4. **Mentorship and Chemistry**: By acquiring a proven star receiver, the Saints would also bring in a player who knows how to navigate the nuances of an NFL offense. His presence could help Olave elevate his game even further, benefiting from the mentorship and learning how to become more versatile. Chemistry between two top-tier wide receivers can result in near-perfect synchronization in the passing game, as both players become in sync with the quarterback’s timing and tendencies.
5. **Long-Term Stability**: If the Saints manage to land a young, star wideout, they would not only be solving an immediate need but also setting themselves up for sustained success. The duo of Olave and the new receiver could become a mainstay for years to come, providing a foundation for the Saints’ offense that could outlast the peak years of Derek Carr or any other quarterback the team may have.
### Potential Candidates to Pair with Olave
So, who could the Saints target to create this lethal duo with Olave? There are several intriguing options both via free agency and the trade market, though the team’s salary cap situation will likely play a role in their ability to make a move.
1. **DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles)**: Smith is coming off a monster season in 2024, with over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a top-tier receiver in an offense already stacked with talent. Though he currently plays for the NFC champion Eagles, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Smith could eventually want a change of scenery, especially if he feels his role is being diminished by the presence of A.J. Brown. If the Eagles decide to entertain trade offers, the Saints could pounce on an opportunity to acquire a player of Smith’s caliber.
2. **Michael Pittman Jr. (Indianapolis Colts)**: Pittman has been the focal point of the Colts’ passing game for several seasons now, and while he’s had success, he could benefit from playing in a more high-powered offense. At 26 years old, Pittman has proven to be a versatile receiver who can win in the air and after the catch. His size (6’4″, 223 lbs) and ability to make contested catches could mesh well with Olave’s finesse and speed.
3. **Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals)**: Higgins has shown the ability to be a true number-one receiver, even though he’s often overshadowed by Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati. His size and physicality make him a red-zone threat, and adding him to the Saints’ receiving corps would give them a big-body option to complement Olave’s smooth route running. Higgins would bring a veteran presence to the offense and could be a great value option if the Bengals decide to move him before he hits free agency.
4. **Jerry Jeudy (Denver Broncos)**: Jeudy has had a tumultuous start to his career in Denver but has still demonstrated the skills that made him a first-round pick. His ability to run crisp routes and get open quickly would pair well with Olave’s deep-threat abilities. Jeudy could benefit from a change of scenery and a more stable quarterback situation, and the Saints could offer him that opportunity. If the Broncos opt to move him, the Saints could look to strike a deal that benefits both sides.
### Conclusion: The Saints’ Path to a Lethal Duo
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the New Orleans Saints find themselves in a prime position to solidify their Super Bowl aspirations with a few key roster moves. Adding a 26-TD star wide receiver would create a dynamic and dangerous pairing with Chris Olave, giving the Saints a one-two punch in the passing game that few defenses could contend with. Whether it’s through free agency or trade, the Saints should prioritize this acquisition and put themselves in the best possible position to compete for championships in the years to come.
With Olave’s emergence and a potential new star alongside him, the future of New Orleans’ offense looks as bright as ever. The Saints could quickly transition from a team with promise to one with powerhouse potential.