Saints Quarterback Derek Carr Calls it Quits Due to 'Substantial Degenerative Issues' in Right Shoulder
CASHING IT IN: DEREK CARR HANGING 'EM UP AFTER 11 SEASONS
New Orleans Saints' vet QB Derek Carr, 34, is calling it quits due to a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder and severe rotator cuff degeneration, the team confirmed on the weekend.
Drafted out of Fresno State by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of 2014, Carr has played for 11 NFL seasons. Joining the Saints in 2023 as a free agent, he donned the black and gold for two years but struggled to perform, going 14-13 in his starts, including six losses last season due to various injuries, taking him out of seven games in total.
Now, shoulder issues caught during off-season training has forced Carr to hang up the cleats. While surgery might have been an option, it risked sitting him out the entire 2025 season, with no assurance that he could return to his previous form. The Saints stated that, "upon reflection of prayer," his decision was made with wife Heather.
"We have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful," Carr expressed his sentiments.
Carr's career stats read 41,245 yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions, a 77-92 regular-season record (including playoffs, Carr never tasted victory). Sports writers have long questioned his decisions and controlled his career path. When injury struck, critics claimed the timing was fishy. In a sermon at a Las Vegas church, Carr fired back, "They're lying about me."
As Carr exits, the Saints will likely turn to younger players on the roster, such as 2023 2nd-round pick Louisville's Tyler Shough. Others contenders include second-year pro Spencer Rattler and third-year player Jake Haener. Let's see who rises to the challenge!
[AP Sports]
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- Derek Carr, who spent two seasons with the New Orleans Saints after 11 seasons in the NFL, has announced his retirement due to significant shoulder problems.
- The Saints, therefore, may look towards younger players such as Tyler Shough, a 2023 second-round pick, or second-year pro Spencer Rattler and third-year player Jake Haener to succeed Carr.
- Carr's career saw him throw for 41,245 yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions, with a 77-92 regular-season record (including playoffs), though many sports writers often questioned his decision-making and the course of his career.
- Carr, who started his career with the Oakland Raiders after being drafted out of Fresno State in 2014, wore the black and gold for the Saints before being forced to retire due to shoulder issues uncovered during off-season training.
- While surgery was a possibility, it would have risked Carr missing the entire 2025 season without guaranteeing a return to form, prompting his decision to retire.
- Carr's retirement leaves a vacancy in the NFL's quarterback market, with teams now on the hunt for a new leader, as the Saints turn their focus to nurturing young talent.
