Saints 2026 training camp preview: Who starts at cornerback?

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Saints 2026 training camp preview: Who starts at cornerback?

Saints downplay Kool-Aid McKinstry ankle injury at training camp

Bob Rose , Saints Wire · Saints Wire

Wed, Jul 29, 2026 ·

4 min read

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Going into the 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints had major questions at the cornerback position. Gone were Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo , the team's top two corners since 2021. In their place would be a 2024 second round pick, but also a 2025 unproven fourth round choice. The young corners, and young secondary in general, came together quickly to help New Orleans rank fourth in the NFL against the pass.

Entering 2026, the cornerback unit has a couple different but equally important questions to answer. The Saints have to find a way to replace another departed star, while also needing continued development from their two young starters. Our training camp position previews continue with a look at this position.

On the roster: Kool-Aid McKinstry , Quincy Riley , Martin Emerson Jr., Isaac Yiadom , Rezjohn Wright, TJ Hall (rookie), Dalys Beanum, Jayden Price , Dalys Beanum, Mike Reid
Offseason losses: Alontae Taylor
Offseason additions: Emerson, Hall, Reid

A second round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Kool-Aid McKinstry was handed the top cornerback spot for the Saints last season. He got off to a rocky start, but was playing near a Pro Bowl level down the stretch of the year. McKinstry had 3 interceptions and 17 pass breakups, both leading the team, while allowing a 58.7% completion percentage when targeted. He'll be asked to make more plays in 2026, very possible considering that he missed several opportunities early last season simply because of timing that was just a hair off.

Perhaps the biggest surprise for the Saints in 2025 was the play of rookie Quincy Riley at cornerback. The second of two fourth round picks, Riley got more extensive action a quarter of the way into the year. The entire pass defense immediately got a boost. Riley had an interception and broke up 10 throws while allowing a 59.6% completion percentage. He'll need to tighten up his cushion on off-ball coverage, but Riley showed all the necessary skills of a top-level cornerback.

One reason why Riley got so much playing time is because of the poor play from Isaac Yiadom. Signed back by the Saints after a year in San Francisco , Yiadom's play was abysmal as an early-season starter. He allowed an infuriating 86.7% completion percentage before being replaced in Week 4, seeing a total of seven defensive snaps through the final 13 games. Yiadom is solid on special teams, which may be his only key to the roster.

New Orleans lost Alontae Taylor in free agency. Taylor was often used as the third corner and often covered the slot, but did so many important things for the defense. Second-year safety Jonas Sanker is being given the first opportunity to replace him. If Sanker struggles in that role, the Saints may have to slide Quincy Riley over into that spot. Another option could come in the way of an underrated free agent addition.

In an under-the-radar signing, the Saints added Martin Emerson just after this spring's draft. A borderline star with the Cleveland Browns , Emerson missed 2025 after a torn Achilles suffered in training camp. In his three years with the Browns, he allowed only 53.2% completion percentage, broke up 34 throws, and in 2023 recorded 4 interceptions. If completely healthy, Emerson will be a strong number three corner and could push Riley hard for a starting role.

Emerson certainly strengthens the depth here, but behind him is still a major concern. Yiadom has proven that he isn't a solution. Rezjohn Wright has had a couple of solid preseasons but hasn't been anything more than a special teams contributor. Hall is a late-round draft pick, so he, Dalys Beanum, or Jayden Price would have to emerge from nowhere to be a defensive contributor. It's more likely that whoever makes up the final two or so jobs on the depth chart will be nothing more than special teams.

New Orleans' cornerback success will depend on two factors: the continued development of McKinstry and Riley and the the health of Emerson. This has the makings of a very good trio, even more so if Sanker can thrive in his new responsibilities. The ongoing success of the Saints pass defense could depend on McKinstry, Riley, and Emerson.

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Photos from Saints DB Martin Emerson Jr.'s youth football camp

Young athletes run drills during his Youth Football Camp at Pine Forest High School Saturday, July 11, 2026, Emerson was on hand helping to run drills, engage with the youth, and provide hydration, giveaways, and lunch.

(John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal, John Blackie/Pensacola News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)