Derek Carr Retires, Leaving Saints to Rely on 2nd Round Pick Tyler Shough and Coach Kellen Moore

Derek Carr, the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons, citing a shoulder injury that would require surgery. The 34-year-old's decision to retire was made after discussions with his wife and personal reflection. Carr, who joined the Saints in 2023, played through multiple injuries in his final season, completing 10 games. His career stats include 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdown passes, 112 interceptions, four Pro Bowl selections, and no playoff wins. Carr also holds the Raiders franchise record with a 63-79 record and had a 14-13 record with the Saints. Carr's retirement leaves the Saints with a quarterback room consisting of rookie Tyler Shough, selected in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL Draft, second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler, and third-year quarterback Jake Haener. The team's head coach, Kellen Moore, has indicated that Shough, Rattler, and Haener will compete for the starting position, with no immediate plans to seek veteran quarterback options. Carr's shoulder injury was diagnosed as a labral tear with degenerative changes to the rotator cuff. The retirement clears up the Saints' salary cap situation for 2026, as Carr forfeits $30 million in guaranteed pay for 2025 but retains a $10 million roster bonus earned in March. This move provides the Saints with financial flexibility moving forward, while also allowing them to focus on developing their young quarterbacks.