Saints QB Derek Carr Faces Retirement After Devastating Shoulder Injury: What It Means for the Team

Quarterback Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints has announced his retirement, following a shoulder injury that has left fans and teammates surprised. The news came out on May 10, 2025, as Carr faced a labral tear and degenerative rotator cuff damage discovered during pre-season training.

Originally, the Saints considered surgery, which could have jeopardized Carr’s entire 2025 season. However, he opted for retirement instead. The team stated that even if he had undergone surgery, there’s no guarantee he would regain his previous level of performance.

Derek Carr has announced his retirement. He felt pain while ramping up for the 2025 season. It was his first significant throwing since recovering from a concussion and hand injury. pic.twitter.com/SrcJEzDDnU

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 10, 2025

Carr began his NFL career with the Raiders after being drafted in 2014. Over his 11-season career, he started 169 games, completing 61.5% of his passes for over 41,245 yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions. He signed a hefty four-year contract with the Saints in 2023 worth up to $150 million.

In his retirement statement, Carr expressed gratitude towards his teammates, coaches, and fans, emphasizing how blessed he felt throughout his journey. “It’s hard to find the right words, but your support has meant the world to us,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Saints now have a young quarterbacks room with Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener. The organization faces a new chapter, especially with the added pressure to develop these players quickly.

In June 2025, the Saints reported that around 65% of fans were supportive of Carr’s decision, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being in sports. Recent studies highlight the high rates of injuries in NFL players, with about 70% experiencing significant injuries throughout their careers, signaling the physical toll of the sport.

With this retirement, Carr joins the list of notable quarterbacks who left the game early due to injuries, underscoring how the demands of professional football can cut careers short. As fans adjust to this new reality, there’s a growing conversation on social media about player safety and career longevity in the NFL.

This change marks a pivotal moment for the Saints, who will need to lean on their young quarterbacks to keep their hopes for the upcoming season alive.

For further insights on player health and safety in the NFL, check out this report by the National Institutes of Health.

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