Buccaneers Division Rival’s Starting QB Just Retired

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a long-standing rivalry with New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees, but his retirement in 2020 marked a new era for the Saints. After Brees’ departure, the team navigated a quarterback transition with players like Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton before ultimately landing on Derek Carr, who brought his experience from his time with the Raiders in hopes of revitalizing the team’s performance.

Carr’s tenure with the Saints didn’t pan out as hoped, and now he’s calling it quits. On Saturday, Carr announced his retirement, citing offseason injuries that included a labral tear and significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.

The team’s statement on Carr’s retirement,

“Derek Carr has announced his retirement.

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 injury sustained during play on December 8, 2024. Derek immediately contacted the Saints Medical Team.

Eventually, medical scans determined objectively that Derek sustained a labral tear and also had significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.

Since that time, Derek, his representation, the Saints Medical Team and outside medical experts have worked together to determine the best path forward. Surgery was an option, jeopardizing the entire 2025 season, yet there was no guarantee Derek would return to the level of strength, function and performance of play to which he was accustomed.

Upon consultation with his wife, Heather, Derek has decided it is in the best interests of both his family and the Saints organization to retire from the National Football League.”

Carr’s statement,

“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League. 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.”

Carr’s limited time with the Saints meant limited matchups against the Buccaneers. In 2023, he played the Bucs twice, losing the first game but winning the season finale on New Year’s Eve. Last season, injury kept him sidelined for both Tampa Bay games, which the Saints lost. Overall, Carr faced the Buccaneers four times with the Raiders and Saints, posting a 2-2 record, throwing for 1,121 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 1 interception.

The Buccaneers’ next Saints quarterback opponent could be either Tyler Shough, the team’s new draft pick, or Spencer Rattler, a 2024 draft pick. Notably, the Buccaneers beat Rattler twice in 2024.