Saints rookie corner Kool-Aid McKinstry has the opportunity to be a breakout player

The biggest problem for the New Orleans Saints in 2024 has been their star players staying on the field. New Orleans has been one of the most injured teams and that continues to be the case with starting cornerback Paulson Adebo breaking his femur.

This, obviously, is a major hit to the team. Paulson Adebo has been a playmaker on defense, leading the team with three interceptions. Although the injury is awful news, it does open up a path for rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to play for the remainder of the year.

Going into the 2024 NFL Draft, McKinstry was widely viewed as a first-round pick. However, he ended up falling into the second round, where the Saints scooped him up at the 41st pick.

The rookie corner was boosted into a starting role early in Week 2, when Marshon Lattimore suffered a hamstring injury. In this game Kool-Aid looked great, as he was a major part of limiting the Cowboys offense. That Week 2 matchup gave fans hope that he could develop into being the next great Saints corner.

McKinstry has played sparingly ever since but has looked solid when given the chance. He is going to have the chance to show what he can do for the rest of the season, barring an injury. If Kool-Aid plays well in 2024, then it’s likely the Saints wouldn’t bring back Adebo as he is a free agent, and likely will be looking for a sizable contract. 

Regardless of that, it is paramount for the success of New Orleans that McKinstry plays well. The defense has not met expectations thus far and needs to turn it around. If McKinstry is able to stay on the field, produce, and limit huge plays then it could change the outlook in 2024.

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