Derek Carr receives an expensive thank you from the New Orleans Saints as his surprising decision helps them out in a big way

With Carr's sudden decision comes not just the on-field implications, but the business side of the game. Carr was under contract through the 2026 season and was set to make $40 million this year.

New Orleans will now recoup most of that cash, but they are letting Carr ride off into the sunset with some money in his pocket.

Derek Carr forgoes a lot of money, but not all of it

Since Carr was still on the Saints' roster in March, he was guaranteed $30 million for this season. He was guaranteed $10 in a roster bonus for this year by being on the roster in March of 2024.

Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Carr will get to keep the $10 million roster bonus he earned, but the Saints will not have to pay the $30 million in salary.

Carr is retiring due to an injury to his right shoulder. He considering undergoing surgery, which would've prohibited him from playing the 2025 season. Had he went down that path, he would've remained on the team and would've been owed all of the cash he was set to earn.

By retiring, all the money was put in control of the team. It's a huge relief for the Saints, and Carr being allowed to keep his roster bonus is a gesture of good faith.

The timing of Carr's retirement is also important here. When players are released from a club following June 1, or when the club designates a release to happen post-June 1, the salary cap hit of the transaction can be split between the current league year and the following league year. 

Per NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill, the retirement will be filed after June 1, which helps clear even more space for the club.

New Orleans has been a constant figure of salary cap and cash manipulation in the NFL, and the can has been kicked down the road for many years. 

Carr's decision can help regain financial stability for the franchise as it looks toward a future with a new head coach and signal-caller.