BREAKING: Alabama draft 21-years old key man for his first NFL contract worth about $9.157 million.
Cornerback Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry has officially inked his inaugural NFL deal, as announced by the New Orleans Saints on Friday.
McKinstry, hailing from Alabama, was selected by the Saints with the 41st pick in the NFL Draft held on April 26th.
The contract spans four years and is estimated to be valued around $9.157 million, in line with the standard four-year contracts allotted to all drafted players. The specifics of these contracts are determined by factors such as draft position, the NFL’s current salary cap, and the rookie compensation pool outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players’ association.
McKinstry is the final of the Saints’ seven draft selections to formalize his NFL contract.
In joining the Saints, McKinstry adds depth to the cornerback position, complementing the returning talents of Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore, both integral members of the team’s defensive roster. Adebo boasts three years of experience with New Orleans, while Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler, has faced intermittent play due to recent injuries. Additionally, slot corner Alontae Taylor remains a part of the Saints’ defensive lineup.
Although McKinstry faced a setback due to a Jones fracture in his right foot, identified during medical evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Saints remained undeterred, selecting him in the second round of the NFL Draft. Nonetheless, this injury has hindered McKinstry’s participation in the Saints’ offseason activities.
To secure McKinstry, the Saints engaged in a trade with the Green Bay Packers, offering the 45th, 168th, and 190th draft picks to climb four spots in the selection order.
McKinstry’s football prowess was evident even before his NFL journey, earning recognition as the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Mr. Football and Class 6A Back of the Year during his tenure at Pinson Valley High School in 2020. His standout performance continued at Alabama in 2023, where he garnered first-team All-American honors from The Associated Press and The Sporting News.