Saints insiders debate Derek Carr's future, championing Tyler Shough's cultural fit and a bold new direction for the franchise.
This episode of State of the Saints blends league reaction with a pointed offseason stance, as TJ Jones addresses the lingering Derek Carr contract situation and doubles down on where he believes the franchise should be headed.
TJ opens with a quick nod to Super Bowl 60, praising the defensive tone of the game and giving credit to Seattle’s young head coach, Mike Macdonald, as a symbol of the NFL’s new wave — energetic, relatable and adaptable leaders who connect with modern locker rooms. That theme subtly carries into the Saints discussion: identity matters, and alignment matters.
The core of the show centers on Derek Carr’s contract rights. Although Carr retired due to injury, the Saints still technically hold his rights, meaning any return would immediately trigger a massive cap hit. TJ is firm in his view: New Orleans should move on completely. Whether that means trading the contract rights for a late-round pick or formally severing ties, he argues the organization should avoid reopening that chapter. In his opinion, Carr’s style of play and overall vibe never truly synced with the team’s culture or the city’s personality.
Instead, TJ plants his flag on Tyler Shough as the future. He frames Shough as a better cultural fit — confident, authentic and reflective of the city’s energy. It’s less about stat lines and more about leadership presence and long-term direction.
The episode also touches on fan influence. TJ suggests the strong engagement and scrutiny from the Saints community in 2025 helped push the organization toward more aggressive, impactful moves. Overall, the message is clear: clarity, cultural alignment and commitment to the new era matter more than revisiting the past.