Derek Carr: Injury Shocker and What It Means For 2025 Season

Derek Carr is in a difficult spot right now, and so are the New Orleans Saints. What should have been a routine offseason has taken a sharp turn. The veteran quarterback is dealing with a shoulder injury that might require surgery. If that happens, he could miss a big part of the 2025 season. With the NFL Draft approaching fast, the team suddenly has hard decisions to make. None of this is ideal, and the timing could not be worse.

Carr’s 2024 Season Was a Mess

Last season did not go well for Carr. He missed seven games with a mix of injuries. First, it was a torn oblique. Then, a fractured non-throwing hand. Later, he got a concussion. Every time he seemed to be on the mend, something else happened. He kept trying to tough it out, but anyone who watched him could tell he was not himself. His throws lost velocity. His timing felt off. The offense never found a steady rhythm.

Now the focus is on his shoulder, and this injury might be the most serious one yet. Reports say he is considering surgery. That would mean a long recovery. If he skips surgery and tries to rehab it, there is a real risk of re-injury or long-term damage. Neither option is great. The Saints are left trying to plan around a quarterback who might not be available when the season starts.

The Saints Need To Make a Call

Earlier this offseason, the Saints restructured Carr’s contract. It looked like they were all in on him as their starter. But now everything is different. They hold the ninth pick in the upcoming draft. That is early enough to grab a top quarterback prospect. Names like Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart have started popping up in draft rumors.

The front office is in a tricky position. Carr is respected and experienced. He has led teams before and still has the locker room behind him. But the NFL does not wait for anyone. If the team believes there is even a small chance Carr misses time, they need to be ready. Drafting a quarterback could give them insurance. It might even give them a long-term replacement if things go south.

It is not about turning the page right now. It is about protecting the team’s future. Betting everything on a recovering shoulder is a gamble most teams would not take.

What Comes Next Is Unclear

Carr has always been a fighter. Nobody doubts that. He has dealt with injuries and setbacks before. But shoulder problems are different. For a quarterback, it can mean the difference between a clean spiral and a wobbly duck. The Saints cannot just hope things work out. They need a plan they can count on.

Right now, everything is up in the air. If Carr has surgery, he could miss months. If he does not and still cannot perform, the team is back at square one. That is why this offseason has suddenly become so important. The Saints have to think about more than just next season. They must consider where this team is headed in the next few years.

Carr might still come back and lead the team. But at this moment, nothing is guaranteed. And when it comes to the NFL, waiting too long to act can cost you a whole lot more than just a few games.