Derek Carr retires: What’s next for the Saints quarterback room after Star QB suddenly quits?
In a major reshuffle against the New Orleans Saints quarterback in the deep list, veteran quarterback Derek Carr officially announced his retirement from the National Football League. The team confirmed Carl’s decision on Saturday, citing his shoulder injuries, including lip tear and degenerative rotator cuff injuries. The damage was discovered in March, when Carl resumed throwing in preparation for the 2025 NFL season.
Carr hasn’t thrown extensively since defeating his non-thrower since a game against the New York Giants in December. With the potential of the surgery giving him a spot in the upcoming season, Carl decided to retire rather than endanger the stability of the team. [his wife,] Heather, I decided to retire from the NFL,” Carr said in a statement. “For more than 11 years, we have been very lucky and we are very grateful and humble about the experience. ”
Saints quarterback depth: Shought, Rattler and Haener become center stage
With Carl’s sudden retirement, the New Orleans Saints quarterback is now entering the unknown territory. The team will look for 2025 second-round picks Tyler Shoough, 2024 fifth-round Spencer Rattler and 2023 fourth-round Jake Haener to strengthen and compete for the starting role. These young quarterbacks will now be in charge of the leading franchise, hoping Carl will bring playoff consistency.
The franchise initially blocked any decisions until Carl’s situation became clearer. Fans and analysts speculated about his future after news of an injury in April. Carl dismissed the rumor and assured the community of his resolution to work together with his team in his first and only public appearance to resolve the injury. “We are figuring out that and we will keep moving forward,” Carl said in a sermon at church LV in Las Vegas on April 28.Carl’s Censorship Career: From Raiders Star to Saints Leader
Derek Carr, the Oakland Raiders’ second round pick in 2014, quickly became the face of the team, spending nine seasons with the Raiders before joining the New Orleans in 2023. His four-year contract with the Saints marks his career, a four-year contract of his career, and many hope this new chapter will be successful in the playoffs.
Carl started 169 games in 11 seasons and posted a 77-92-0 career record. He completed 61.5% of his 41,245 yards pass, and made 257 touchdowns on 112 interceptions. Although the playoff victory put him in trouble, Carl’s leadership and resilience made him widely respected in the league.
Carl added: “It’s hard to find the right words to thank all our teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials, and especially the fans who have made this journey so special.”
The end of the era, a new quarterback game begins
The saints now find themselves at a crossroads. The New Orleans Saints must quickly rush to prepare for training camp. Whether it’s the next franchise quarterback, Shought, Rattler or Haener will appear.
When Carl left the NFL, his legacy left behind big shoes, not just statistics, but in terms of leadership and the presence of the locker room.
