Saints QB Derek Carr makes stunning retirement decision that could change everything for New Orleans
With so much uncertainty about Derek Carr's future, the New Orleans Saints quarterback opted to make a decision. Carr announced on Saturday that he was retiring from the NFL. "In late March, while ramping up his preparation for the 2025 season, Derek experienced pain in his right shoulder. It was his first time throwing a […]
With so much uncertainty about Derek Carr's future, the New Orleans Saints quarterback opted to make a decision.
Carr announced on Saturday that he was retiring from the NFL.
"In late March, while ramping up his preparation for the 2025 season, Derek experienced pain in his right shoulder. It was his first time throwing a football at significant volume since recovering from both a concussion and left hand injury sustained during play on December 8, 2024. Derek immediately contacted the Saints Medical Team," the Saints wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Eventually, medical scans determined objectively that Derek sustained a labral tear and also had significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.
"Since that time, Derek, his representation, the Saints Medical Team and outside medical experts have worked together to determine the best path forward. Surgery was an option, jeopardizing the entire 2025 season, yet there was no guarantee Derek would return to the level of strength, function and performance of play to which he was accustomed," they added. "Upon consultation with his wife, Heather, Derek has decided it is in the best interests of both his family and the Saints organization to retire from the National Football League.
Carr also released a statement through the Saints.
“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr said. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
With this move, it means that the Tyler Shough era begins.
Shough was drafted out of Louisville in the second round with the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Along with the rookie, quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener are also on the roster.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo adds that his "decision to retire gives the #Saints $30 million in cash and cap relief," while "he gets to keep his $10 million roster bonus from March and the team will not seek reimbursement of his signing bonus."
It's truly the start of something new in New Orleans.
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