Derek Carr faced a challenging situation as he weighed his future in the NFL against the reality of a serious shoulder injury. Despite being under contract with the New Orleans Saints, Carr ultimately chose to retire, citing that he didn’t feel comfortable “just taking” the team’s money while unable to perform at his best. This decision came after a period of evaluating whether to undergo surgery or attempt to play through the injury, neither of which felt right to him.
Carr Faced Painful Options, Chose Retirement to Protect Integrity and Team’s Future
Carr’s injury was diagnosed as a labral tear with “significant degenerative changes” to his rotator cuff. Though surgery was an option, it would have sidelined him completely, while playing through the pain would have left him far from peak performance. Understanding the limitations both routes posed, Carr opted to step away rather than risk letting down the Saints or diminishing his own integrity as a player.
Derek Carr (NFL)By retiring, Carr forfeited his $30 million base salary for the 2025 season, though he retained a $10 million roster bonus. He had signed a four-year, $150 million deal with the Saints in 2023, showing his commitment to the team at the time. The Saints had been aware of Carr’s injury since March and adjusted their draft and offseason plans accordingly, preparing for a future without him at quarterback.
Saints Begin New Era with Young Quarterbacks Amid Carr’s Peaceful Retirement Transition
With Carr out, the Saints now face a quarterback competition among rookie Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener. Head coach Kellen Moore praised Carr’s professionalism and transparency throughout the injury and retirement process. The team is in a period of transition, relying on young talent to step up as they move forward without their former starting quarterback.
In retirement, Carr is embracing time with his family and reflecting positively on his decision. While he hasn’t ruled out a future in broadcasting—particularly at the college level—or even coaching, he is currently enjoying the freedom of life away from football. A recent message from his agent prompted Carr to share a photo of himself at the beach with his kids, affirming that he’s content with his new chapter.
