Outta Pocket with RG3

Episode: Derek Carr Retires… Now the Saints MUST Call Aaron Rodgers or Trade for Jameis Winston
Date: May 10, 2025
Host: Robert Griffin III (RG3)

Overview

This emergency episode of Outta Pocket with RG3 tackles the sudden retirement of New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Derek Carr. RG3 breaks down the immediate and long-term ramifications for the Saints, evaluates their current quarterback options, and passionately outlines why the franchise should target Aaron Rodgers or Jameis Winston. The episode is a mix of heartfelt reflection, sharp analysis, and bold takes—staying true to the “outta pocket” brand.

Main Discussion Points

1. Derek Carr’s Sudden Retirement (00:48 - 04:23)

• Details of the Retirement:

  • Derek Carr retired due to a labral tear and degenerative changes to his rotator cuff suffered during off-season prep, after a concussion and a left hand injury in late 2024.
  • He made the decision in consultation with his wife, Heather, his agents, the Saints’ medical team, and external experts.

• Carr’s Statement:
  “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience... Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.” — Derek Carr (02:15)

• RG3’s Emotional Response:
  “I’m heartbroken for him because any of us in our lives, we don’t want to be forced to give up the thing we love most… Derek Carr… has always given it his all.” (03:00)

• On Carr’s Leadership: Carr’s navigation of past Raiders scandals and franchise moves highlighted his leadership and grit.

2. The Saints’ Quarterback Dilemma (04:25 - 13:30)

• Current QB Options:

  • Tyler Shuck (rookie, Louisville, Round 2 pick): Praised for tools and potential but flagged for repeated season-ending injuries and something “missing.”
  • Spencer Rattler (second year): “Underrated prospect... better scrambler than he gets credit for.” (07:30)
  • Jake Haener (second year): Gunslinger with a weak arm, “face card makes the ladies go wild, but none of those things are gonna help you win football games.” (08:00)

• Kellen Moore’s Opportunity:

  • Moore (new head coach) can sell 2025 as a building year, using this QB group as an excuse for lower expectations.
  • RG3: Coaches love to say “I made that guy a success.” (09:40)
  • But RG3 doubts any of the current QBs are ready to start.

3. Veteran QBs: Rodgers, Cousins, and Winston (13:32 - 28:40)

• Kirk Cousins:

  • Dismissed as an option: “He’s in-division, massive contract, coming off an Achilles—why replace an injured Carr with another injury risk?” (14:45)

• Aaron Rodgers: The Best Fit

  • “The Saints need to call Aaron Rodgers. Not for Mickey Loomis, not for Kellen Moore. But they need to call Aaron Rodgers for Alvin Kamara, Demario Davis, Cam Jordan, Brandon Cooks, Justin Reid, and the Honey Badger, Tyron Mathieu. Those veterans don’t have time for a rebuild.” (16:10)
  • Argues that Rodgers still produced (8th in yards, 7th in TDs, QBR 90+) in a “down” year and is beloved in the locker room.

• Draft Critique:

  • RG3 sharply questions the Saints' draft strategy, wishing they had moved up for Cam Ward, Jackson Dart, or taken experienced prospects like Dylan Gabriel or Shadur Sanders.
  • “If anybody should have drafted Shadur Sanders... it should have been the New Orleans Saints, not the Browns... They say we don’t give a shuck and they drafted Tyler Shuck, okay?” (22:01)

• If Not Rodgers… Jameis Winston:

  • Praises Winston’s prior performance for New Orleans (14 TDs, 3 INTs pre-injury, 2021).
  • Argues trading for him from the Giants brings back a beloved and respected leader, especially given NYG’s crowded QB room.
  • “Jameis Winston would instill confidence in that building. Jameis Winston would instill confidence in the city.” (25:15)

4. Saints’ Organizational Decision Point (28:42 - 36:00)

• Supporting the Veterans:

  • Emphasizes responsibility to aging stars: “Those veterans deserve and have earned the opportunity to be a contender. So help them be a contender. Go get Aaron Rodgers. Go get Jameis Winston. Or let it be known that you’re in a full-on rebuild and trying to suck for Arch Manning. One way or the other, the city doesn’t give a shuck unless you give them a reason to.” (34:48)
  • Warns against hedging: Saints must be explicit—either roll with current QBs and announce a rebuild, or aggressively target a proven starter.

• Fan and Family Sentiment:

  • RG3 shares his family group chat’s split opinions (some want action, some want a full rebuild).
  • Reiterates the need for decisive action and transparency with fans and players alike.

• Division Stakes:

  • All division rivals got better. RG3: “Did we get better? The collective answer is no. No, they didn’t.” (30:15)
  • Warns that unclear direction will alienate fans, players, and media.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Carr’s Leadership (03:15):
  “He navigated the Raiders through the Henry Ruggs situation, the Jon Gruden scandal, and from Oakland to Las Vegas. To me, that’s his greatest quality: leadership... he was undervalued as a leader and a great teammate.”

• On Tyler Shuck (12:35):
  “My sources all said the same thing: Tyler Shuck will make you believe he’s the next great quarterback, and when you start to work with him, you realize there’s just something missing.”

• On Aaron Rodgers (16:40):
  “Those veterans—Alvin Kamara, Cam Jordan, Brandon Cooks, Justin Reid, Tyrann Mathieu, Demario Davis—they want their cash now, they need to win now. Call Aaron Rodgers.”

• On Jameis Winston (25:15):
  “Jameis Winston would instill confidence in that building. Jameis Winston would instill confidence in the city.”

• On the Draft Strategy (22:40):
  “If anybody should have drafted Shadur Sanders... it should have been the New Orleans Saints, not the Browns... They say we don’t give a shuck and they drafted Tyler Shuck, okay?”

• Ultimate Message (34:15):
  “Those veterans deserve and have earned the opportunity to be a contender. So help them be a contender. Go get Aaron Rodgers. Go get Jameis Winston. Or let it be known that you’re in a full-on rebuild and trying to suck for Arch Manning. One way or the other, the city doesn’t give a shuck unless you give them a reason to.”

Key Moments & Timestamps

• Derek Carr’s Retirement Announcement and Reasoning: 01:10 – 04:23
• RG3’s Tribute to Carr as a Teammate and Leader: 03:15 – 04:20
• Deep Dive on Saints’ QB Room (Shuck, Rattler, Haener): 06:30 – 12:35
• Kellen Moore’s Challenge and Potential Approach: 09:20 – 11:00
• Options for Veterans QBs Explained: 14:45 – 17:40
• Aaron Rodgers as THE Call to Make: 16:10 – 19:50
• Draft Move Criticisms and “Shuck” Jokes: 21:40 – 23:00
• Winston’s Value & Giants Trade Rationale: 24:45 – 26:10
• Fan/Family Group Chat Sentiment: 31:10 – 32:00
• Saints’ Need for Decisiveness/Transparency: 32:40 – 35:10

Summary & Takeaways

• The Saints face a genuine crossroads after Derek Carr’s sudden, injury-driven retirement.
• RG3 urges the team to choose a direction: go for veteran excellence now (Rodgers or Winston) and support the locker room’s established leaders, or declare a rebuild and let fans/players plan accordingly (possibly for Arch Manning in ‘26 or even ‘27).
• Either direction is valid, but indecision will only breed resentment and failure.
• Underlying all the analysis is RG3’s message of respect for players’ careers and fans’ loyalty: “be honest, be bold, and give the city a reason to believe.”

This episode delivers a heartfelt, detailed, and “outta pocket” discussion for Saints fans and football observers alike—driven by RG3’s unique blend of player perspective and media savvy.