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Ex-Raiders QB Derek Carr Explains Retirement Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Austin C. Boyd | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 12:47 PM ET

Derek Carr surprised the NFL world this offseason with the news that he was leaving millions of dollars on the table with his decision to retire. Carr had $30 million in salary coming his way from the New Orleans Saints, but he likely wasn't going to be able to play due to a shoulder injury.

He could've simply taken the money and sat out for the 2025 season, then retired. However, it would've required Carr to undergo surgery, and that wasn't something he wanted to do.

"That part was tough because I didn't want to have surgery and just sit there and -- it sounds crazy but -- just take the Saints' money," Carr told Front Office Sports.

"I wouldn't have been able to play if I had the surgery," Carr added. "And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn't near 100%, and so that doesn't help them either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team."

Carr has already made nearly $200 million in career earnings, so he wasn't too concerned with leaving some money on the table. As far as a comeback is concerned, the Las Vegas Raiders' all-time leading passer seems to be enjoying retirement.

"My agent literally texted me a few days ago and he said, 'Hey, just checking it in. How's everything? You still feel comfortable with the decision?' And I sent him a picture of me on the beach with my two kids playing. And I said, 'This beats an OTA any day.' And he said, 'Yeah, I thought so,'" Carr said. "So I'm doing great and have thoroughly enjoyed being home."

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

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