Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis Announces Major Decision on Pending Fifth-Year Options

The Saints announced their decisions on Chris Olave and Trevor Penning’s fifth-year options.

The New Orleans Saints have announced their decisions regarding the fifth-year options for wide receiver Chris Olave and tackle Trevor Penning.

General Manager Mickey Loomis held a pre-draft press conference on Wednesday. While Loomis emphasized he would only answer questions on the upcoming draft, he eventually caved and answered about the team’s pending fifth-year option decisions.

Loomis confirmed the Saints will pick up star wide receiver Chris Olave’s fifth-year option, but decline tackle Trevor Penning’s.

However, Penning showed growth after making a switch from left tackle to right tackle. While not flawless, Penning was able to start the entire 2024 season. He showed the potential to be a starting tackle for the Saints’ future with dominating reps over pass rushers.

Declining Penning’s option doesn’t mean he can’t be a part of the team’s future and Loomis made it clear by stating “that doesn’t mean we don’t love Trevor and expect him to be part of our team going forward.” The Saints want to see another season of growth from the young tackle in 2025 and a possible extension could be worked out before he hits free agency in 2026.

By picking up Olave’s option, the Saints are showing a commitment to keeping one of their core young pieces rostered and working towards a potential extension. With New Orleans likely to start a young quarterback in 2025, retaining a reliable target like Olave could be a key piece of development for the young passer.

Olave has been a bright spot on the Saints’ offense, posting two 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years. Despite the star wide receiver’s production since entering the league, there was uncertainty if New Orleans would pick up his option due to injuries. Olave has suffered four confirmed concussions in his NFL career, including two during the 2024 season.

Tackle Trevor Penning had a rough start to his career. From seeing minimal action as a rookie to being benched in his second year, it was always likely Penning’s option could be declined.