'Steelers Haven't Had The Best Of Luck' With Players Similar To Chris Olave

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly interested in trading for Chris Olave, a wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints. For now, these seem to be just basic talks where the front office calls in to see what it would would to trade for the young wideout. There is no certainty that this goes anywhere beyond New Orleans giving a high price before hanging up. Either way, this could be a risk deal for Pittsburgh if the team actually goes through with it and makes a trade happen. 

While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Mark Kaboly was asked about the details about a potential trade for Olave. There was one major thing in particular that he said under his breath, but it still could be a factor in how interested the Steelers truly are in making this potentially work.

"The Steelers haven't had the best of luck with guys with concussions," Kaboly said. "At least a couple [players] come to mind."

Olave has had at least four concussions in his three-year career at the NFL level, as well as one in college. The former first-round pick has struggled to reach his full potential just because he can't stay on the field, whether it's a head issue or an injury anywhere else. A change of scenery could bode well for him, but it may not come easy for the Steelers or any other team looking at a potential trade. 

The Saints did pick up Olave's fifth-year option right before the 2025 NFL Draft. He will be locked into his rookie contract through the 2026 season, so if any team were to acquire him, it would likely be with the idea that he is a part of its future plans, and not just as a rental with upside. However, that would drive the price up, and Saints' supposed asking price for him is already somewhat high in the first place. 

The question then turns to general managers around the league like Omar Khan. Would any of them be willing to engage in negotiations to try and lower that price and/or accept the fact that they would likely lose a second-day pick? If there is any team willing to give up a third-round pick to try and unlock Olave's untapped potential, it would be the Steelers.

After trading away George Pickens, the Steelers are projected to have 12 picks in the 2026 draft, including at least three third-round selections. If they think he is worth the risk, they could give up one of the ones that they are confirmed to have to add some upside to the receiver room. His concussion issue would still have to be monitored closely, but Khan does enjoy taking risks on high ceilings. 

Steelers' History With Concussions

The Steelers have gone down this road before. They signed tight end LaDarius Green to a four-year deal back in 2016. He had some concussion issues with his previous team, the then-San Diego Chargers. He reportedly lied to Pittsburgh's brass about his symptoms before signing with them. He continued to have issues with headaches likely caused from those hits, as well as an ankle issue that required surgery. 

Former first-round pick Kenny Pickett had a few head injuries during his short stint in Pittsburgh. In fact, his first ever NFL win was a game that he left early in due to a possible concussion. He suffered a confirmed one late in that season that caused him to miss almost the entirety of one game and all of another. That wasn't the reason for trading him, but it could have impacted the Steelers' conservative decisions with him that next season. 

There is also the story of "Iron" Mike Webster officially being the first patient to ever be diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which eventually became a documentary. Luckily, the league has been better in that regards, but there still a few cases here and there of players having these constant issues, such as Olave.