Kool-Aid McKinstry eyes Saints’ No. 1 jersey

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

The free agent departure of cornerback Alontae Taylor has left the New Orleans Saints with a need at slot cornerback. However, for one player, it opens an opportunity.

Starting corner Kool-Aid McKinstry posted to social media that he plans to pursue the No. 1 jersey number most recently worn by Taylor now that it’s available.

Looks like #Saints CB Kool-Aid McKinstry is making the switch to No. 1.
Alontae was wearing 1.

Kool-Aid wore 1 at Bama. pic.twitter.com/L77L1kdows

— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) March 14, 2026

The number would be the fourth worn by McKinstry since entering the league. Upon being drafted, he wore No. 34 during the offseason until switching to No. 14 following roster cuts; a common time for number changes for rookies.

During his second season, he claimed No. 4 quickly following the retirement of former Saints quarterback Derek Carr.

With Taylor on his way to the Tennessee Titans, McKinstry is in position to reclaim the number he wore in both high school and college. He’d become only the sixth Saints player to sport the single digit.