Michael C. Hebert/New Orleans Saints
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints are likely in the midst of a multi-year process of rebuilding a contender. This is typical for the NFL lifecycle: sometimes teams are on upswings, other times they are on downswings.
The Saints are making their transition from a downswing; four years of missing the postseason, trying to find the team’s next starting quarterback and fixing their salary cap future, with the hopes of things looking up from here.
One position that has shown a lot of promise throughout training camp is cornerback. Starting corners Kool-Aid McKinstry, Isaac Yiadom and Alontae Taylor have been reliable over the first 10 practices, surrendering big moments here and there, but ultimately playing well, especially McKinstry.
Behind them, other young players such as rookie Quincy Riley and second-year corner Rico Payton have also impressed.
Thought this was a great breakup from Quincy Riley. He read it all the way and dove to make the play. pic.twitter.com/rjvNLh2glh
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) August 3, 2025
Riley has two interceptions in camps already and was inches away from a third. Meanwhile Payton, who was one of the team’s best corners in last year’s preseason and one of its top gunners in the regular season, continues to stand out.
While things may still be falling into place for the young group, whose eldest member is Yiadom at just 27-years-old, the talent of the room is easy to see.
The Saints have developed a history of strong secondary play, often attached to the depth of the cornerback room. With a new defense and coordinator, Brandon Staley, in the mix, the reputation looks ready to withstand recent changes.
For all of the grief that was given to the Saints’ run defense last year which finished No. 31 in yards allowed, the passing defense wasn’t much better at No. 27.
Improving the play at cornerback can help the Saints start to show some improvement in both areas, but most immediately in the passing game. With new leadership and high-level play at safety, the job of rebounding the unit only gets more achievable.
That rebound may not happen in 2025. This year may be more about laying the foundation for that improvement to really begin to take shape over the next couple of years. But as a starting place, the Saints’ young and promising talent is evident and a good sign for the team’s future.
