On May 10, 2025, veteran quarterback Derek Carr, who played 11 seasons in the NFL, announced his retirement, marking the end of an important chapter for both him and the New Orleans Saints. The event, as reported by Wikipedia, came during a turbulent period for Carr, whose 2024 season was filled with injuries and uncertainty about his future with the franchise. His retirement ended a career defined by resilience, franchise records, and unfulfilled postseason aspirations, leaving the Saints at a crossroads in navigating their quarterback situation for 2025.
Carr’s final season with the Saints was challenging. He appeared in only 10 games, compiling 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Reports surfaced in April 2025 that Carr was considering surgery, which could rule him out for the entire 2025 season. The injury stems from a 2023 AC joint sprain that never fully healed, casting doubt on his availability.
The uncertainty led to the Saints selecting Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft as a potential backup or successor. The shoulder problem was further complicated by other injuries. In Week 14 against the New York Giants, Carr fractured his left hand and suffered a concussion, ending his season prematurely.
However, at a Las Vegas church service, Carr said there was “nothing wrong” between him and the Saints and expressed frustration at media speculation, particularly ESPN, and criticized the culture of social media attacks on players. Off the field, Carr faced personal challenges. He revealed that his wife suffered a miscarriage, a loss that coincided with his scheduled trip to New Orleans for evaluation of his shoulder.
Speaking at Church L.V., Carr emotionally shared his grief, saying, “We don’t just have four kids, we have five. One is in heaven.” The heartbreak underscored his professional struggles as well as his personal resilience. A four-time Pro Bowler, he set franchise records for passing yards (35,222) and touchdowns (217), leading the Raiders to the playoffs in 2016 and 2021. After a disappointing 2022 season, he joined the Saints on a four-year, $150 million contract through 2023.
Despite high expectations, the Saints failed to reach the playoffs in either of his two seasons, and his tenure was plagued by inconsistency and injuries. His 101 passer rating in 2024 was the biggest accomplishment of his career, but it wasn’t enough to secure his future in New Orleans. Now the Saints face a quarterback challenge. With Carr retiring, Shaw, Spencer Rattler and Jake Henry are the primary options, though none of them have proven themselves as a surefire starter.
The team’s decision to restructure Carr’s contract in March 2025 converted $28.745 million into a signing bonus, reducing the cap obligation but complicating their long-term financial outlook. With new head coach Kellen Moore rebuilding, the Saints could explore veteran free agents or further draft prospects to stabilize the position.
Carr’s retirement ended a career filled with remarkable accomplishments and unfulfilled potential. His departure leaves the Saints searching for a new identity, his legacy as a record-setting quarterback marred by the challenges of his final years.