The New Orleans Saints have already made one major financial commitment this week, locking up Chris Olave on Thursday, July 30 with a four-year, $132 million contract. Now the attention turns to another young piece who could be next in line for a payday: cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.
McKinstry was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he signed the standard four-year deal that comes with a day-two selection. But unlike a first-rounder, he does not have a fifth-year option, which means he’ll be entering the final year of his contract before 2027.
That setup puts the Saints in familiar territory. If McKinstry plays his way into a big extension, the team could be staring at another contract decision before long. And if he takes the kind of leap the Saints are hoping for, the price tag could climb fast.
His NFL story so far has been defined by inconsistency. At his best, McKinstry has flashed the kind of ability that looks worthy of a shutdown corner and even All-Pro consideration.
At other times, the rough patches have been real, with costly plays that swing games the wrong way. The encouraging sign for New Orleans is that he finished strong and is coming off what the team views as an excellent offseason.
If McKinstry delivers in 2026, Brandon Staley is not going to want to let him reach the open market. And if that happens, the Saints could be looking at a much bigger annual price than they would like, especially if he cements himself as the franchise’s future lockdown corner.
It’s too early to pin down exactly what that next contract will look like. One big deal elsewhere can shift the market in a hurry.
Still, McKinstry is clearly positioned for a massive payday if he puts together the kind of season that turns promise into certainty. If that happens, the rumor mill could start spinning next offseason.
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Saints Backup QB Battle Is Creating Early Pressure In Camp
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