The news emerged ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft that New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr was facing a shoulder injury, which put his future in jeopardy for the upcoming season.
After attempting both injections and physical therapy, Carr has reportedly decided to retire.
Ian Rapoport from NFL Network noted that Carr wasn’t fully healed and needed “another procedure,” following his attempts at rehabilitation and injections. He was among the first to report this development.
#saints QB Derek Carr has decided to retire due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, affecting his play for the 2025 season. He tried both injections and rehab but was still not at 100% until considering another procedure. Both sides agreed on this decision. pic.twitter.com/shbcq9nqvw
– Ian Rapoport (@rapsheet) May 10, 2025
Rapoport later explained that both Carr and the Saints would benefit financially from this choice. While Carr will forfeit a guaranteed $30 million due this year, the team will not seek a refund for his $10 million roster bonus or signing bonus.
The uncertainty regarding Carr’s status for the 2025 season raised speculation about whether the Saints might draft a quarterback with their No. 9 pick. However, they chose to go a different route, selecting offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. instead.
New Orleans opted to wait for the second round to draft quarterback Tyler Schaff from Louisville at No. 40.
Currently, Schaff is positioned to compete for the starting role in New Orleans.
