New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr, 34, has announced his retirement due to a labral tear in his right shoulder and significant degenerative changes in his rotator cuff, as confirmed by the team on Saturday. Carr, who played 11 NFL seasons after being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2014, was signed by the Saints as a free agent in 2023. His tenure in New Orleans was marked by a mixed performance, ending with a record of 14-13 as a starter while grappling with various injuries that sidelined him for seven games last season.
Initially, Carr experienced unexpected shoulder pain while ramping up his training this offseason, leading to a diagnosis that ultimately ended his career. The Saints cited surgery as a potential option but noted the risks, including jeopardizing Carr’s performance level for the 2025 season. The team publicly acknowledged Carr’s injury only a day before the NFL Draft, and Carr defended himself against critics questioning the timing of the injury during a sermon in Las Vegas.
With career statistics of 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions, Carr retires with a regular-season record of 77-92 and without a playoff victory. He expressed deep gratitude for his journey in the NFL, thanking teammates, coaches, and fans. His retirement coincides with the Saints selecting quarterback Tyler Shough from Louisville in the second round of the draft, signaling a potential future shift at the quarterback position. Other quarterbacks on the current roster include second-year player Spencer Rattler and third-year player Jake Haener, with combined limited starting experience.
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