Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

New Orleans Saints QB David Carr Announces Retirement Ahead of 2025 NFL Season

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated May 10, 2025 11:22 AM ET

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr was not sure if he was going to be able to play football during the 2025 NFL season. He has been dealing with a shoulder injury that, if he had gotten surgery on it, would have knocked him out for the year. As a result, he tried to rehabilitate the injury without going under the knife in hopes that he would be able to play.

It has not worked.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Carr is retiring from the NFL as a result:

#Saints QB Derek Carr, dealing with a shoulder injury that requires surgery that would knock him out for the 2025 season, is retiring, per The Insiders.

While Carr tried an injection and rehab, it wouldn’t allow him to be 100% until another procedure. Both sides move on. pic.twitter.com/sHbCq9nqVw

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 10, 2025

Carr only played in 10 games last season, completing 67.7% of his passes for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 101.0 passer rating.

New Orleans Saints Quarterback Derek Carr Was Effective When Healthy

Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

In his first season with the Saints, Carr completed 68.4% of his passes for 3,878 yards, 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a 97.7 passer rating. He proved that his down season in his final year with the Las Vegas Raiders, which saw him complete just 60.8% of his passes for 24 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and an 86.3 passer rating, was just that: a down year.

When healthy, Carr was still a very able quarterback. Unfortunately, as is the case with many NFL players, his body stopped cooperating.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Carr ends his NFL career with a 65.1% completion percentage (which is tied with Aaron Rodgers for 19th all time), 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, 112 interceptions, and a 92.8 passer rating.

Carr was originally drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Going forward, the Saints have Spencer Rattler, rookie Tyler Shough (2025 second round pick), and Jake Haener in their quarterback room.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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