Derek Carr, the veteran quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, has announced his retirement due to a labral tear in his right shoulder and significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff. The 34-year-old has had an 11-season career since being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2014. Carr joined the Saints as a free agent in 2023 but struggled with injuries, finishing his time in New Orleans with a 14-13 record while missing seven games last season due to various ailments.
Despite entering the third year of a lucrative four-year, $150 million contract, Carr developed unexpected pain in his throwing shoulder during offseason training, leading to his diagnosis. The Saints’ statement revealed that surgery was a possible option but could jeopardize his entire 2025 season without a guarantee of returning to his former performance levels.
Initially, the Saints were reticent to acknowledge Carr’s injury until just before the draft. Carr later defended himself against critics questioning the timing of his injury during a sermon at a Las Vegas church, asserting that the criticism was unfounded.
Retiring with impressive career stats—including 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions—Carr leaves without a playoff victory, holding a regular-season record of 77-92. He expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans for their support throughout his journey.
His retirement also coincides with the Saints drafting Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round, indicating a potential transition in leadership for the team. Current quarterbacks on the roster include Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, both of whom have limited starting experience.
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