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Saints Receive $30 Million Update After Derek Carr’s Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated May 10, 2025 12:38 PM ET

Derek Carr has opted to hang up his cleats and retire from the NFL amid a shoulder injury that would have ruled him out for the 2025 season.

Scans of Carr's right shoulder determined that the 34-year-old was suffering from a labral tear and degenerative changes to his rotator cuff, prompting doubt that he would be able to regain the strength in his once-imposing throwing arm.

Carr's decision ends his challenging two-season stint with the New Orleans Saints. Upon signing Carr to a four-year, $150 million contract in 2023, the Saints hoped the four-time Pro Bowler would keep them competitive following the legendary Drew Brees' retirement.

Instead, New Orleans narrowly missed the playoffs in 2023, and Carr played just 10 games in 2024 as the Saints stumbled to a 5-12 record.

Both sides gain financially — By retiring, Carr forgoes the $30M guaranteed this season, while the Saints won’t seek reimbursement for the $10M roster bonus and signing bonus. https://t.co/uAyfRErYTZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 10, 2025

Two months ago, the Saints restructured Carr's contract to open up $30 million in salary cap space, a move provided relief amid years of struggles against the cap.

Now that Carr is retiring, he will forego the $30 million salary he was guaranteed for 2025, though he will retain a $10 million roster and signing bonus.

Still, the salary relief marks a major development for New Orleans; had he not retired, Carr would have collected that 2025 salary, and his cap hit for the 2026 season would have been a staggering $69.2 million.

The newfound flexibility should help general manager Mickey Loomis and first-year head coach Kellen Moore rebuild the roster, which still has a glaring need for a long-term heir to Brees.

With Carr out of the picture, the Saints will decide who gets the starting job: second-round draft pick Tyler Shough, second-year signal-caller Spencer Rattler or 2023 fourth round pick Jake Haener as their starter for 2025.

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

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