Derek Carr Bids Farewell to the Gridiron After a Decade-Long Career
NFL Quarterback Derek Carr from the Saints is choosing to retire due to considerable deterioration in his right shoulder.
In an unexpected turn of events, veteran NFL quarterback Derek Carr hung up his cleats due to a nagging shoulder issue. The New Orleans Saints' starting signal-caller, who joined the team in 2023 as a free agent, announced his retirement after 11 exhilarating seasons, culminating in 41,245 yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions[6][7][9].
The culprit behind Carr's decision was the discovery of a labral tear in his right shoulder and "significant degenerative changes" to his rotator cuff[6]. While surgery was an option, the risks outweighed the potential benefits, as a prolonged recovery period would have jeopardized his entire 2025 season, and even then, there was no guarantee Carr would regain the strength, function, and formidable performance of his past[6].
Carr, a former second-round draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2014, accumulated a 77-92 regular-season record as a starter and, unfortunately, never managed to secure a playoff win[8]. The Saints themselves remained silent about Carr's predicament until the day before the draft, and the quarterback himself broached the subject only a few days later during a guest sermon at a Las Vegas church[6][7].
Addressing the controversy surrounding his injury and the initial reluctance to open up about it, Carr dismissed the accusations as mere fabrications and public deceit[6][7]. His inspiring retirement speech at the Las Vegas church was emblazoned with gratitude for the countless teammates, coaches, management, ownership, and supporters who made his jouney an unforgettable adventure[8].
The retirement of Carr now elevates the stakes for the Saints' quarterback position. Although the team had been bracing themselves for the possibility of a Carr-less season, his definitive exit provides a clear picture of the challenge ahead. The New Orleans roster boasts a couple of young quarterbacks eager to grasp the starter's role, with second-year prospect Spencer Rattler and third-year player Jake Haener amongst them[6].
The Saints' quarterback conundrum is further complicated by the addition of rookie Tyler Shough, a second-round draft pick with potential to challenge for the starting role[6][7]. While the future quarterback landscape in Louisiana is now murky, the Saints could explore additional options through free agency or trades to strengthen their quarterback depth[6][7].
Curious about the Mariners' debut of 'Louie Louie' for the 2025 season or more on Seattle's sports action? Check out the most read sports stories here.
[1] - https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/07/04/new-orleans-saints-derek-carr-injury-shoulder-tyler-shough[2] - https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/36524990/new-orleans-saints-google-analysis-projected-tyler-shough-eventually-win-derek-carr-injury[3] - https://www.nola.com/saints/article_a1ccf984-124d-5c7a-ba59-9a75a9baaa07.html[4] - https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tyler-shough-24716057[5] - https://amp.sbnation.com/platform/amp/2023/3/31/22994387/derek-carr-saints-free-agency-contract-shoulder-injury[6] - https://www.si.com/nfl/2025/03/31/new-orleans-saints-derek-carr-retire-shoulder-injury[7] - https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/36524990/new-orleans-saints-google-analysis-projected-tyler-shough-eventually-win-derek-carr-injury[8] - https://www.startribune.com/former-viking-derek-carr-announces-retirement-after-11-nfl-seasons/600215997/[9] - https://amp.sbnation.com/platform/amp/2023/03/31/22994387/derek-carr-saints-free-agency-contract-shoulder-injury
Seattle fans eager to catch some American-football action beyond Derek Carr's retirement might want to tune into NFL games, or perhaps neighborhood sports such as Seattle Mariners, who are set to debut 'Louie Louie' for their 2025 season. As the Saints scout through their young quarterbacks like Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, they also take interest in Tyler Shough, a rookie and second-round draft pick with potential. Dealing with an uncertain quarterback position, the Saints might explore other avenues, such as free agency or trades, to secure more quarterback depth.
