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Derek Carr's Unexpected Career Announcement Shakes NFL on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated May 10, 2025 11:57 AM ET

here has been considerable uncertainty surrounding the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback room heading into the 2025 season. With Derek Carr battling a lingering shoulder injury, his return timeline remained unclear—until Saturday, when both Carr and the Saints organization finally provided clarity.

At 34 years old, Derek Carr officially announced his retirement from the NFL, citing the ongoing shoulder issue that would likely have required surgery and sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.

In a statement released by the Saints, Carr said: “Upon reflection and 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.”

He continued, “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.”

Saints QB Derek Carr is retiring after 11 seasons. (via @rapsheet, @tompelissero, @mikegarafolo) pic.twitter.com/irJJ7PVV7V
— NFL (@NFL) May 10, 2025

Derek Carr’s NFL career spanned 11 seasons across two franchises. He was drafted in 2014 by the then-Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders), where he spent nine years before joining the New Orleans Saints for what would be his final season.

Injuries increasingly impacted Carr in recent years. According to the Saints organization, he had been dealing with a labral tear and significant degenerative changes in his rotator cuff.

While he received extensive medical advice and had the option to undergo surgery—which would have sidelined him for the entire 2025 season—there was no guarantee he would regain the arm strength he had relied on throughout his career.

Ultimately, Carr chose to retire, making what he believes is the best decision for both himself and his family. In doing so, the Saints are expected to receive salary cap relief and recover funds tied to the offseason restructure of Carr’s contract.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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