March 14, 2026, 5:57 p.m. CT
Kool-Aid McKinstry could wear his fourth number in just three years with the New Orleans Saints. The third-year cornerback announced his intent to make another jersey swap on his Instagram story, which was shared by the Times-Picayune’s Rod Walker. With his teammate Alontae Taylor vacating the No. 1 jersey and newly-signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. planning to use No. 3, McKinstry is eager to grab the number he wore in college at Alabama.
McKinstry used No. 4 during the 2025 season with the Saints, having worn the unsightly No. 14 jersey in his 2024 rookie season. He initially chose No. 34 for his first preseason but was able to make a change after roster cuts that September. Now he’s looking to wear the number he wanted all along.
A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, McKinstry has had to step up and into more high-profile roles during his two years in New Orleans with the departures of veteran starters like Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and now Alontae Taylor. It’s yielded mixed results. As a rookie, he ranked 36th in passer rating allowed (91.6) among 72 corners with 400 or more snaps in coverage. In his second season, McKinstry fell to 53rd out of 69 qualifiers (101.1). While he only intercepted three passes he did break up a dozen targets thrown into his coverage, so he’s doing a good job getting a hand on the ball. Maybe he’ll hit his stride after switching to the number he’s most comfortable wearing. Look good, feel good, play good.
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