The New Orleans Saints open up their 2025 slate against the Arizona Cardinals in just four days. As we continue our countdown to opening kickoff, we take a look at Kool-Aid McKinstry and the expectations being placed on him.
No Marshon Lattimore. No Paulson Adebo. It’ll be on McKinstry to take on the role as the Saints top outside corner. His rookie season says he has the make up to step into that role well. It’s just about taking that next step in Year 2.
McKinstry only validated these expectations with a strong training camp. His performance was one of most discussed throughout the process. Now it’s time to translate practice to gameday.
Derek Carr to Kool-Aid McKinstry is a complete 180 in the hearts of Saints fans
We don’t have to take a deep dive into the history of players who have worn number four. All we have to do is look back to last year. McKinstry will write his own story in the jersey, but one thing is for sure. McKinstry wont face anywhere close to the amount vitriol of his predecessor had to endure.
Derek Carr wore four last year, and when he retired this offseason, there weren’t any fans saying we should hesitate giving his jersey away. McKinstry didn’t hesitate scooping it up either. Granted, Carr announced his retirement long before it was filed and made official. Like the retirement, McKinstry’s decision was likely made long before it was announced.
In his brief time in New Orleans, Carr quickly became the villain. His Chipotle comment rubbed some the wrong way but the issues kept rolling in. One of the most notable faults was yelling at Chris Olave on the field for a play that was later exposed to be Carr’s fault. Moments like that stuck with the fans.
McKinstry, on the other hand, is a young player who’s easy to get behind. He’s a second year player who is stepping into a bigger role. Many walked away from his rookie season excited, and are looking forward to watching McKinstry’s ascension.