Derek Carr ’s sudden retirement in May sent shockwaves through the NFL. A seasoned quarterback with over 40,000 passing yards and an 11-year career under his belt, Carr was expected to play a more integral role in the New Orleans Saints ’ plans—until injuries and unexpected behind-the-scenes developments brought his time in the league to a screeching halt. But while his oblique injury and concussion were publicly cited as reasons for stepping away, insiders suggest that the true story might be more layered—and far from over.
Before retiring, Derek Carr's camp explored options with other teams
“Everyone concedes Carr is injured,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. “Not everyone believes it’s the full story of why he retired.” Derek Carr had played just 10 games in the 2024 season before injuries benched him, finishing the year with 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and a solid 67.7% completion rate. Statistically, he still had enough in the tank, ranking 11th in PFSN’s QB+ Ratings. But even with those numbers, his departure didn’t quite add up—especially considering the timing of his conversations with other NFL teams.
Before making his retirement official, Carr’s representatives reportedly initiated quiet contact with at least two quarterback-needy franchises. “A Carr representative spoke with at least two teams in the market for a quarterback about potential interest in the veteran,” Fowler revealed. While the outreach was labeled "indirect," it clearly signaled Carr wasn’t ready to shut the door on playing altogether.
And this wasn't just casual interest. Discussions likely took place as early as the NFL Scouting Combine in February, the prime period when agents quietly gauge interest from teams before free agency officially begins. Carr, despite being under contract, took his future into his own hands—without explicit permission from the Saints. Yet, the franchise appeared unbothered, perhaps because the veteran had earned a level of autonomy after years of resilience in the league.
While the Saints never made a public issue of Carr’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering, whispers within the league suggested his relationship with the franchise had grown strained. “Only Carr could say why he would have been seeking an exit from New Orleans,” Fowler added. “But those around him have theories. The belief among multiple people interviewed is that the Saints and Carr were not on the greatest of terms.”
What remains unclear is whether Carr’s decision to retire stemmed purely from his physical state or a deeper disconnect with the organization. The most confusing part? Derek Carr’s shoulder injury timeline doesn’t align with when these discussions supposedly occurred. According to the Saints, Carr first felt pain in his throwing shoulder in late March. But if that’s true, why was his camp exploring new opportunities in February?
The Saints later diagnosed Carr with a torn labrum and noted degenerative issues in his rotator cuff—injuries serious enough to warrant surgery or retirement. However, speculation lingers: would Carr have considered playing for another team despite the injury but chose to retire when it came to sticking with New Orleans?
Carr’s decision to walk away also comes with financial consequences. He leaves behind $30 million, opting not to challenge the Saints on salary cap grounds. New Orleans will process his retirement post-June 2 to maximize cap relief. Meanwhile, the Saints are moving forward with a new quarterback room featuring rookie Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener under newly appointed head coach Kellen Moore.
For Derek Carr, the future remains uncertain. Despite the official announcement, there’s still room to wonder if he might reconsider after a year of recovery and reflection. After all, retirement doesn’t always stick in the NFL—especially when the competitive fire hasn’t fully dimmed.
For now, though, Derek Carr and the Saints have parted ways. But the timing, the backchannel discussions, and the tension behind the scenes suggest this isn’t a closed chapter just yet. Whether Carr’s story ends in quiet retirement or a dramatic comeback, the intrigue surrounding his exit from New Orleans has only just begun.
Also Read: Who is Brock Purdy's wife? Everything to know about Jenna Brandt and their love story off the field
Before retiring, Derek Carr's camp explored options with other teams
“Everyone concedes Carr is injured,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. “Not everyone believes it’s the full story of why he retired.” Derek Carr had played just 10 games in the 2024 season before injuries benched him, finishing the year with 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and a solid 67.7% completion rate. Statistically, he still had enough in the tank, ranking 11th in PFSN’s QB+ Ratings. But even with those numbers, his departure didn’t quite add up—especially considering the timing of his conversations with other NFL teams.
Before making his retirement official, Carr’s representatives reportedly initiated quiet contact with at least two quarterback-needy franchises. “A Carr representative spoke with at least two teams in the market for a quarterback about potential interest in the veteran,” Fowler revealed. While the outreach was labeled "indirect," it clearly signaled Carr wasn’t ready to shut the door on playing altogether.
And this wasn't just casual interest. Discussions likely took place as early as the NFL Scouting Combine in February, the prime period when agents quietly gauge interest from teams before free agency officially begins. Carr, despite being under contract, took his future into his own hands—without explicit permission from the Saints. Yet, the franchise appeared unbothered, perhaps because the veteran had earned a level of autonomy after years of resilience in the league.
While the Saints never made a public issue of Carr’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering, whispers within the league suggested his relationship with the franchise had grown strained. “Only Carr could say why he would have been seeking an exit from New Orleans,” Fowler added. “But those around him have theories. The belief among multiple people interviewed is that the Saints and Carr were not on the greatest of terms.”
What remains unclear is whether Carr’s decision to retire stemmed purely from his physical state or a deeper disconnect with the organization. The most confusing part? Derek Carr’s shoulder injury timeline doesn’t align with when these discussions supposedly occurred. According to the Saints, Carr first felt pain in his throwing shoulder in late March. But if that’s true, why was his camp exploring new opportunities in February?
The Saints later diagnosed Carr with a torn labrum and noted degenerative issues in his rotator cuff—injuries serious enough to warrant surgery or retirement. However, speculation lingers: would Carr have considered playing for another team despite the injury but chose to retire when it came to sticking with New Orleans?
Carr’s decision to walk away also comes with financial consequences. He leaves behind $30 million, opting not to challenge the Saints on salary cap grounds. New Orleans will process his retirement post-June 2 to maximize cap relief. Meanwhile, the Saints are moving forward with a new quarterback room featuring rookie Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener under newly appointed head coach Kellen Moore.
For Derek Carr, the future remains uncertain. Despite the official announcement, there’s still room to wonder if he might reconsider after a year of recovery and reflection. After all, retirement doesn’t always stick in the NFL—especially when the competitive fire hasn’t fully dimmed.
For now, though, Derek Carr and the Saints have parted ways. But the timing, the backchannel discussions, and the tension behind the scenes suggest this isn’t a closed chapter just yet. Whether Carr’s story ends in quiet retirement or a dramatic comeback, the intrigue surrounding his exit from New Orleans has only just begun.
Also Read: Who is Brock Purdy's wife? Everything to know about Jenna Brandt and their love story off the field
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