The terrible 2024 season is finally over for the New Orleans Saints. After looking like the best team in football through the first two weeks of the season, the Saints ultimately end the year as a 5-12 team without a head coach that’s last in the NFC South. After so many embarrassing moments this year, fans have never been more excited to reach the offseason.
Generally speaking, there isn’t much optimism from Saints fans going into this offseason. The franchise will be searching for a new head coach, possibly letting go of some of the team’s legends, and facing what many believe is going to be a multi-year rebuild. Despite all of that, in Week 18, the Saints gave fans a couple of reasons to be optimistic about the future.
New Orleans did lose again, falling 27-19 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the team had a couple of really good performances from rookie players. Despite the loss, quarterback Spencer Rattler and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry provided hope to fans about the future of the organization.
Spencer Rattler and Kool-Aid McKinstry give hope to Saints fans in regular-season finale
Rattler, who ends his rookie season with seven appearances, didn’t record a single win. However, he had several flashes where it was clear he’s a player worth being explored by the franchise moving forward. His best outing may have come on Sunday, his final opportunity to showcase his talents this season.
The rookie quarterback completed 26-of-42 passes for 240 yards and a touchdown. While he had a few ugly misses, he made multiple elite passes that should force the franchise to consider him moving forward. While it’s unclear what will happen with Derek Carr this offseason, Rattler has to be in the equation for New Orleans going into the offseason.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, on the other hand, has had an established role in the Saints’ future since he was drafted in the second round of the 2025 Draft. That role only grew when Marshon Lattimore was traded to the Washington Commanders.
Kool-Aid McKinstry had Mike Evans clamped up pic.twitter.com/IGFCS5NZUq
— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) January 5, 2025
While it’s hard to say goodbye to one of the league’s best defenders, McKinstry has been soothing fans with his performances all year. Sunday was the latest example, when he had multiple instances where he locked up Bucs receiver Mike Evans.
Add in the fact that Taliese Fuaga has also been elite at left tackle this season, and it’s clear the Saints have some young pieces in place to build around. The problem, though, is the franchise has a lot of other building to do.