Quarterback Derek Carr has announced his retirement from the NFL after deciding not to undergo shoulder surgery that would have sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. Rather than remain on the New Orleans Saints roster and collect over $30 million in guaranteed salary while unable to play, Carr said he chose to step away from football on his own terms.
The veteran signal-caller had been diagnosed with a serious shoulder injury that included a torn labrum and degeneration in his rotator cuff. While surgery was an option, Carr said the physical toll and uncertain recovery timeline pushed him toward retirement. He expressed that continuing to receive a paycheck without contributing on the field didn’t sit right with him, calling the choice a matter of personal integrity.
Carr spent 11 seasons in the NFL, most notably with the Raiders before joining the Saints for the final two years of his career. He finishes with over 41,000 passing yards and 257 career touchdowns. Though he’ll retain a $10 million bonus received earlier in the offseason, he’s walking away from the remainder of his $150 million contract.
With Carr stepping aside, the Saints now turn to younger talent to fill the quarterback role. Rookie Tyler Shough, second-year passer Spencer Rattler, and third-year QB Jake Haener are all expected to compete for the starting job heading into the 2025 season.
