The New Orleans Saints turned the page on Saturday as veteran quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement, opening the door to a new era under center.
Just hours after the news broke, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was already taking snaps at the team’s indoor practice facility. Shough, a second-round pick, will now compete for the starting job alongside Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.
“We’re going to let all three of these guys compete. They’ve earned this opportunity,” said head coach Kellen Moore. “Jake, Spencer, and Tyler will all go through this process. We’ll be patient and let the competition play out naturally through training camp.”
Shough shared that Moore informed him about Carr’s retirement prior to Saturday morning’s practice.
“All you can ask for is a chance,” Shough said. “Regardless of who’s on the roster, I’m focused on improving every day and doing what I can to help elevate this quarterback room.”
Carr’s decision comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his right shoulder. He sustained the injury during his first major throwing session of the offseason in late March. Scans later revealed a torn labrum and significant degenerative damage to his rotator cuff. Although surgery was considered, it could have jeopardized his 2025 season and his long-term performance.
After consulting with his wife, Heather, Carr opted for retirement.
“For over 11 years, we’ve been blessed beyond words,” Carr said in a statement. “To my teammates, coaches, front offices, and especially the fans – thank you. Your unwavering support made this journey special.”
He also posted a message on Instagram, expressing gratitude to both the Raiders and Saints.
“I gave this game everything I had every single day,” Carr wrote. “I sleep well knowing I left it all on the field. Now, I’m ready for whatever God has planned next.”
Moore said the team became aware of Carr’s shoulder issue in March, before it was publicly disclosed. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis had said before the draft that the organization was seeking clarity on Carr’s condition.
“There was no communication issue,” Moore emphasized. “Derek did everything he could. He worked hard and kept us informed throughout. Ultimately, this was the decision that made the most sense.”
Carr first addressed the injury publicly in late April, confirming the shoulder damage but downplaying any rumors about a lack of transparency.
Moore added that he and Carr didn’t get to meet in person during the offseason due to conflicting schedules, but Carr remained in close contact with Loomis and other team officials in the lead-up to his retirement decision.
Originally drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Carr spent nine seasons with the franchise before signing a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints in 2023. His retirement means he will forfeit his $30 million base salary for 2025, though he will retain a $10 million roster bonus.
Carr was drafted by then-Raiders coach Dennis Allen, who was also his head coach in New Orleans last season. Allen, now the defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears, praised Carr on Saturday.
“My experience with him was outstanding,” Allen said. “We drafted him in Oakland, and I had the chance to coach him again in New Orleans. He’s a great person, a strong leader, and someone you enjoy having in the building.”
Carr, 34, retires after starting 169 games over 11 seasons, posting a career record of 77-92. He completes his career with 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, 112 interceptions, and a 65.1% completion rate.
