Chris Olave shares what Derek Carr has provided Saints

Quarterback Derek Carr only officially joined the New Orleans Saints in March but made a big impression on wide receiver Chris Olave during springtime workouts. 

"He’s a great leader on and off the field — that’s what you ask for as a receiver, a young receiver," Olave said about Carr during an appearance on "The Jim Rome Show," per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "So, he’s definitely helped me better my game and get better myself. We all know what he can do on the field. But just him being there for me off the field, even on the field, I feel like that’s helped me a lot and it’s helping us build our chemistry."

New Orleans grabbed Olave with the No. 11 overall pick of the 2022 draft, and the 22-year-old enjoyed a solid rookie campaign playing alongside signal-callers Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston. Per ESPN stats, Olave led all Saints players last season with 72 receptions, 119 targets and 1,042 receiving yards. He also recorded four touchdown catches, but likely hopes to improve upon that figure now that a four-time Pro Bowl selection with a chip on his shoulder is atop the depth chart at the sport's most important position. 

"He carries himself the right way on and off the field," Olave added about Carr. "That’s something to look up to and as a leader something you look at — just studying success. The years he’s been in the league, he’s been one of the top quarterbacks. And as a person, great person with a great family and that rubs off on people." 

Carr received his release from the Las Vegas Raiders in February following nine seasons with that organization and ultimately signed a four-year deal with the Saints reportedly worth up to $150M with $100M in total guarantees. The New Orleans front office clearly believes the 32-year-old can guide the club to at least a playoff berth this coming January, and defensive end Cameron Jordan recently went so far as to say he "expects" the Saints will help Carr play in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders, this coming February.