Former Alabama DB Kool-Aid McKinstry trades jersey number with the Saints

Former Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry will wear a new number for the New Orleans Saints, it was announced on social media before the season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

This is an interesting move considering McKinstry will be wearing No. 14, which is not often seen on defensive backs. McKinstry had previously worn No. 34 throughout the summer and in preseason games.

Other former Saints members who have worn the number 14 jersey include Andy Dalton, Mark Ingram, Travis Dural, Kawaan Baker and Tommylee Lewis.

McKinstry wore the No. 1 jersey for the Crimson Tide, but that number was unavailable for the Saints because it was already taken by Alontae Taylor.

Kool-Aid McKinstry announces his NEW number for the upcoming season 1️⃣4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/cJsVqjGqxn

— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) 6 September 2024

Entering his rookie season, McKinstry will look to bring the same type of talent to the field for the Saints that he brought to Alabama, where he was twice named to the All-SEC first team in 2022 and 2023.

The rookie finished the final season of his college career with 27 tackles (19 solo) and 7 passes defensed. This afternoon at 1 p.m. ET, he’ll get his first chance to show where he stands at the NFL level.