Part Of The Core: Chris Olave Extended

Kaden Arkeder • July 30, 2026

Chris Olave has signed a contract extension valued at 4 years 132 million dollars, 90 million guaranteed with an AAV of 33M. All the contract talk is finally over for Chris Olave as it always felt like it was a matter of time before the deal would get done. Olave is too important to the Saints success this season and beyond to not get a deal done. Coming off a breakout 2025 campaign where Olave earned a second team All pro nomination after putting up his best season of his career. This extension gives the Saints and Tyler Shough their guy at WR for the foreseeable future. 


When you have a young quarterback like Tyler Shough you have to have proven talent around him and Olave has shown he can be a security blanket for Shough to aid in his development. But not only will Olave help Shough develop as he enters his sophomore season but Olave will also be able to help mentor rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. With Olave in the fold for the long haul the Saints hope the duo of Olave and Tyson become one of if not the best WR duo in the league one day soon. But for now Tyson gets to get his feet wet in his first NFL training camp and learn from one of the best in Chris Olave. 


Olave’s extension begins signals the beginning of a new core for the Saints as Olave certainly won’t be the last player extended in the near future if the Saints continue to trend in the right direction. It’s an exciting time to be Saints fan after feeling stuck in doldrums the last few years and deals like this help show the Saints are well on their way to contending once again. 



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Tulane Green Wave PWO Commit: Brett Paukstis

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
Class of 27 QB Brett Paukstis 6-0/185 Washington, DC He trains with QB Factory and is positioned for a big senior year that could elevate his stock further. Arm Talent & Passing Ability (Strong for regional level): Paukstis possesses legitimate arm talent with velocity, spin, and the ability to drive throws downfield (including 50+ yard air yards). He makes all the throws, short, intermediate, and deep, with good touch and anticipation. Off-platform accuracy stands out; he can throw receivers open while scrambling or from awkward arm angles. Ball placement is precise, and he layers passes over defenders effectively. Accuracy & Mechanics: High completion rate (mid-to-high 60s) reflects sound mechanics, timing, and decision-making. Quick release and consistent footwork allow him to get the ball out cleanly. He goes through progressions with high football IQ and makes correct reads quickly. Velocity and arm strength continue to improve. Mobility & Playmaking: True playmaker who keeps plays alive when protection breaks down. Excels extending downs outside the pocket, using mobility to create space before delivering accurate downfield throws. Capable of off-platform creativity and arm strength on the run. Not a designed-run heavy QB but adds a valuable dimension through scrambles and creating opportunities in high-leverage moments. Decision-Making, Poise & Leadership: Poised and confident in the pocket with excellent command of the offense. High football IQ, precise decisions, and the ability to spread the ball around. Described as a great leader who elevates those around him; two-time All-Conference performer who has “breathed life” into the program through production and intangibles. Low turnover stretches (e.g., zero in key late-season games) show growth. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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Transfer Portal Spotlight: Dawson Johnson

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
TE Dawson Johnson- ODU @DawsonLJ_ 
Dawson Johnson fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 230-pound modern hybrid tight end with proven college receiving production, reliable hands and route-running, functional blocking, and positional versatility (inline, slot, H-back) who immediately adds depth, competition, and mismatch upside to a depleted TE room alongside Vance Bolyard. 
He’s a redshirt sophomore transfer from Old Dominion (Sun Belt) who committed on January 9, 2026, via the portal (entered late December 2025). Originally a three-star high school recruit out of Cherry Creek HS (Englewood/Denver, CO), he signed with Florida as a true freshman (2024, redshirted with no appearances) before moving to ODU. He has three years of eligibility remaining (#19). 
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall) emphasizes tight ends who can contribute in 12 personnel packages, sealing edges in the run game while creating mismatches in the passing game through play-action, bootlegs, and option routes. Johnson is an ideal modern hybrid fit 
• Movement and receiving traits: Smooth mover for his size with good speed to threaten vertically, reliable hands on short-to-intermediate concepts (stick routes, seams), and the ability to flex out or operate in space as a chain-mover and safety valve. Early ODU usage (including a TD vs. ranked James Madison) highlighted his comfort getting open quickly against linebackers. 
• Blocking and physicality: Willing, technically sound functional blocker who’s not yet a dominant in-line mauler but stays on the field in multiple groupings, perfect for supporting Tulane’s run game while developing into a complete TE. 
• Versatility and intangibles: High football IQ (346 offensive snaps as a redshirt freshman) and multi-positional value (inline/slot/H-back). Comes from an athletic family (brothers played D1 lacrosse/football). Tulane targeted portal TEs with immediate production potential to complement bigger in-line types like Bolyard. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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