Derek Carr Retires: What's the Future Hold for the Saints?

 

With Derek Carr's official retirement on Saturday, the New Orleans Saints have gained the clarity they were seeking, but it also creates an immediate gap at quarterback.

Carr, 34, was diagnosed with a labral tear and significant degeneration of his rotator cuff, putting his ability to play in 2025 in doubt. This announcement resolves the uncertainty that has been hanging over the team since news of his injury broke on April 11. With his status now clear, the Saints are left to figure out their next move.

They recently drafted Tyler Shough in the second round, and they also have Spencer Rattler (second-year) and Jake Haener (third-year) on the roster. However, the Saints went 0-7 last season in games Carr didn’t start. Does New Orleans bring in a veteran quarterback for additional support, or will they go forward with the young options they have?

NFL Nation reporter Katherine Terrell and national NFL writer Jeremy Fowler examine the key questions surrounding the impact of Carr's retirement on the Saints' future.

What does this timing mean for the Saints?
The Saints were already preparing for the possibility of playing without Carr, and now it's official. Carr's retirement announcement coincides with the team’s rookie minicamp, giving them a chance to evaluate Shough. The team can now fully focus on shaping their offense around one of their young quarterbacks, with no lingering questions about Carr’s status.

Had this dragged on into training camp, it might have been a distraction, but now the Saints have a fresh start, allowing Shough, Rattler, and Haener to compete for the starting spot. If Shough is named the starter, it could happen quickly, without Carr’s shadow hanging over the decision.

Looking ahead to 2026, Carr’s retirement simplifies the situation. The Saints won’t have to make decisions about his future, which could have been complicated due to the team’s aging roster. – Terrell

How will the Saints proceed at quarterback? Could they bring in another QB?
Coach Kellen Moore had been noncommittal about Carr’s status when he first addressed the media in February. Though Moore initially supported Carr, it always seemed likely that the Saints would eventually bring in a quarterback of their own choosing, a decision that was solidified when they drafted Shough.

The Saints now have the flexibility to shape the quarterback room however they see fit. They could stick with the young trio of quarterbacks or potentially sign a veteran to mentor them. They also recently brought in Hunter Dekkers as a tryout player during rookie minicamp, a move that could lead to another practice squad addition if he impresses. – Terrell

What are the contract/salary cap implications?
Carr was set to make $40 million this season, including a $30 million base salary and a $10 million roster bonus. The Saints had restructured his contract for cap reasons, reducing his base salary to the league minimum and converting the rest into a signing bonus of $28.75 million, which would be paid out weekly during the season. The signing bonus was contingent on Carr’s ability to play, and his retirement means he forfeits his $30 million base salary but retains the $10 million bonus. If Carr’s retirement paperwork is filed after June 1, the Saints will face most of the cap implications in 2026. – Terrell

Is Carr’s retirement permanent?
Sources close to Carr suggest that a return is unlikely. Despite his talent, Carr’s status as a top-tier quarterback had been questioned in recent months. After suffering a significant shoulder injury and turning 34 in March, a return would be an uphill battle. Having earned more than $200 million throughout his career, it seems unlikely that he will return, though it’s impossible to rule out a comeback if he fully heals. – Fowler

What is Carr’s legacy if he doesn’t return?
Carr’s career was often underrated. He played for multiple head coaches and coordinators, yet still made four Pro Bowls and became known for his durability, playing 15 or more games in his first 10 seasons. While he was often seen as a solid quarterback who couldn’t take his team to the next level, his playoff record, which includes a single loss in 2022, left fans wanting more. – Fowler