Derek Carr officially announced his retirement at age 34, providing long-awaited clarity for the New Orleans Saints, who had been uncertain about his future since his shoulder injury was first reported in April. Scans revealed a labral tear and degenerative changes to his rotator cuff, making a return in 2025 unlikely. While the announcement gives the team closure, it also leaves a glaring void at quarterback, a position Carr had anchored.
With Carr gone, the Saints must assess their options. They drafted Tyler Shough in the second round and already have Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener on the roster.
However, their 0-7 record without Carr last season raises doubts about the readiness of this young trio. The coaching staff, now without the shadow of Carr’s possible return, can evaluate and develop these quarterbacks during upcoming OTAs and make a clear early decision on a starter.
Carr’s Retirement Gives Saints Roster Clarity and Flexibility for Quarterback Room Decisions
Carr’s decision simplifies the Saints’ long-term planning. By choosing retirement over injured reserve, he eliminates a potential dilemma heading into the 2026 offseason, when several roster decisions will need to be made. His departure during rookie minicamp allows for a clean install of the offense around younger talent, avoiding distractions that could have lingered into training camp.
Derek Carr (NFL)Coach Kellen Moore, who seemed only partially committed to Carr during his early tenure, now has the opportunity to fully reshape the quarterback room. Whether New Orleans adds a veteran to mentor the young QBs or sticks with the current trio remains to be seen. The team even brought in rookie Hunter Dekkers as a minicamp tryout, suggesting they’re open to expanding the QB competition.
Financial Fallout and Career Legacy Define Derek Carr’s Exit from the NFL
Carr was originally set to earn $40 million in 2025, but a prior contract restructuring brought his base salary down and converted most into a signing bonus. With his retirement, Carr forfeits $30 million but retains a $10 million bonus. If he delays filing his retirement papers until after June 1, the Saints will absorb the cap hit in 2026, spreading the financial consequences further into the future.
Carr retires with a career that may be statistically underrated but has been consistently disrupted by organizational instability. He played under six head coaches and a rotating cast of playcallers, yet still managed to earn four Pro Bowl selections and demonstrated impressive durability throughout most of his tenure.
However, he never won a playoff game and often fell short of pushing his teams into serious championship contention. Having earned over $200 million and now facing significant physical setbacks, a return to the NFL appears unlikely, though not completely out of the question.
