The 2026 New Orleans Saints are looking to take a step in the right direction after missing the postseason once again last year. They have been able to get some intriguing players to help them become more competitive, and seemingly fixed their cap situation. New Orleans is looking to win the NFC South this season, and making sure they have players exceed what they have shown thus far is critical. Let’s take a closer look at who one outlet believes will be the team’s breakout candidate for the 2026 New Orleans Saints.
Kool-Aid McKinstry named as a breakout candidate for the New Orleans Saints
Aug 10, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (34) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Athletic’s staff recently published an article where they discuss a breakout candidate for all 32 teams ahead of the 2026 Training Camps beginning. Each beat writer chose one player from the team they cover and explained why they would break out. Saints’ writer Larry Holder chose cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry as New Orleans’ breakout candidate, and below is what he had to say regarding his choice:
“It’s taken until now for McKinstry to be deemed the Saints’ top cornerback after being a second-round pick in 2024. He started every game last season and intercepted three passes. But he also surrendered eight touchdowns and yielded a 100.5 passer rating, via Pro Football Reference. The Saints have moved on from names like Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor the past few years, intent on having McKinstry eventually become the team’s No. 1 corner. It’s no guarantee that he breaks out, but the chance is there for him.”
In his second NFL season, Kool-Aid McKinstry started all 17 games and recorded 76 total tackles (59 solo, 17 assists) with 17 pass deflections, three interceptions, and three tackles for loss. He held his own in coverage as the New Orleans Saints cornerback had a 58.7 completion percentage when targeted (54-92), but allowed eight touchdowns.
The Saints are looking to take that next step after ranking 16th in the league with 22.5 points per game last year. They have some exciting players, but if Kool-Aid McKinstry can look like he did in coverage as he did with the Alabama Crimson Tide, it can be a real difference-maker for the franchise going forward.
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