Derek Carr has been dealing with a shoulder injury that called his availability for the 2025 season into question, but the veteran quarterback is going to sit out for a different reason.
Carr announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday. The New Orleans Saints issued a statement explaining that Carr experienced pain in his right shoulder while preparing for the season. Doctors determined that the 34-year-old had a labral tear and degenerative issues with his rotator cuff.
While Carr could have undergone surgery and sat out all of 2025, the Saints say there was no guarantee he would have returned at full strength.
Carr also issued a statement confirming the news.
“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr said. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
Derek Carr has announced his retirement.
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 10, 2025
In late March, while ramping up his preparation for the 2025 season, Derek experienced pain in his right shoulder. It was his first time throwing a football at significant volume since recovering from both a concussion and left hand… pic.twitter.com/SrcJEzDDnU
A report first surfaced last month that Carr had a shoulder injury that had jeopardized his 2025 season. Some people (such as Dianna Russini of The Athletic) wondered if Carr was unhappy with the Saints and was trying to send a message to the organization.
Carr addressed that narrative last week and called out Russini. He also said his shoulder injury is very real and that he has the MRI to prove it.
Carr was entering the third year of a four-year, $150 million contract he signed with the Saints in 2023. New Orleans drafted former Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick, but they will likely bring in a veteran now as well.
Carr played 11 total seasons in the NFL. He began his career with the Las Vegas Raiders and made the Pro Bowl four times in nine seasons with them. He then played for the Saints for two years.
In total, Carr threw for 41,245 yards, 257 touchdowns and 112 interceptions in his career. The yardage places the former Fresno State star 22nd all time in NFL history.
