Derek Carr’s Surprising Retirement Closes a Chapter That Never Fully Opened in New Orleans

Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler and the longtime face of the Raiders franchise, abruptly walked away from the NFL this weekend, The Saints officially announced that Carr has decided to retire instead of undergoing surgery on his throwing shoulder — a procedure that would’ve required a grueling recovery and likely ruled him out for the 2025 season. Carr was dealing with a labral tear and degenerative rotator cuff damage in his right shoulder, discovered in late March after he had begun ramping up throwing activities for the upcoming season.

It was the kind of injury that doesn’t just threaten a season — it questions the longevity of a career. The Saints confirmed that surgery was an option, but there were no guarantees Carr would return to his previous level of performance. And so, after 11 seasons in the NFL, 34-year-old Derek Carr called it quits.

He leaves behind a complicated legacy — one of solid production, but also one that never quite found harmony with his second NFL home. His 77-92 career record as a starter, 41,245 yards passing, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions paint the picture of a competent, durable quarterback. A four-time Pro Bowler, Carr spent nine seasons with the Raiders before signing a four-year deal worth up to $150 million with New Orleans in 2023. His time with the Saints, however, will be remembered less for his on-field performance and more for what felt like a persistent disconnect — between him, the city, and the fanbase.

A Fit That Never Was

Let’s be honest: Carr never truly felt like New Orleans. Saints fans are passionate, proud, and deeply tied to the cultural soul of their city. And while the Crescent City rolled out the welcome mat, Carr never seemed to step fully into the living room. It’s not that he didn’t try. He said the right things, made appearances, and put on the uniform. But the little things matter in a city like New Orleans. Carr on his first day in New Orleans famously — or infamously, chose to grab meals at Chipotle rather than indulge in the world-renowned cuisine the city offers. And while that might sound trivial, it became a metaphor for his time there. To many fans, Carr didn’t embrace the city’s spirit. He felt like a visitor, not a resident.

And when things went south on the field, he didn’t exactly help his case. Saints fans expect accountability, especially from their quarterback. But there were too many moments where Carr seemed to pass the blame. The Thursday night game against the Jaguars in 2023 stands out like a sore thumb. Carr visibly scolded receiver Chris Olave mid-game, frustrated that the young wideout didn’t continue a route. That moment aired live and loud, and fans didn’t forget.

Another on the field blow-up with center Erik McCoy didn’t help either. These were supposed to be growing pains for a quarterback getting comfortable with his new team, but instead, they felt like cracks in the foundation of leadership.

Off the Field, Absent from the Moment

This offseason was another flashpoint. New Orleans hosted Super Bowl week festivities — a major spotlight for the city and a chance for the Saints’ starting quarterback to show up, show face, and rally the fanbase. Carr? Nowhere to be found. When the team introduced new head coach Kellen Moore, Carr was again MIA. Yet some time later, he was seen attending a Fresno State spring practice — halfway across the country but fully present for his alma mater.

That contrast didn’t sit well with Saints fans, who were already questioning his commitment and leadership.

It’s moments like these that tell a broader story. Saints fans didn’t just want production — they wanted connection. What they got, in their eyes, was distance.

The Decision — And the Fallout

Carr’s retirement, announced just weeks after his April comments downplaying the severity of his injury, was a stunner in timing but not in sentiment. The team had been tight-lipped about his condition, and Carr himself remained vague until late April, when he finally acknowledged the shoulder injury publicly — dismissing outside speculation as noise. Turns out, that noise was closer to the truth than we realized. According to sources, Carr and the Saints worked out a financial arrangement to soften the blow of his sudden exit. He gives up $30 million in fully guaranteed salary for 2025 but retains a $10 million roster bonus and avoids any clawback on his $28.5 million signing bonus from 2023.

In the end, Carr walks away with over $200 million in career earnings and, perhaps more importantly, with his health intact — at least for now. He could’ve undergone surgery, sat out the year, collected his full salary, and made a decision later. Instead, he chose closure.

What Comes Next

The Saints are now left with a quarterback room full of question marks: 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough, 2024 fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler, and 2023 fourth-rounder Jake Haener. There’s talent in that room, but not a clear leader. That search begins now — and for the first time in a while, Saints fans seem more hopeful than frustrated. Derek Carr’s chapter in New Orleans is over. It lasted just over a year, but in truth, it never really started. He came in with the promise of stability and maybe even playoff contention. He leaves with memories of unmet expectations, missed opportunities, and a city that never fully felt like home.

Carr said in his retirement statement that after “prayer and in discussion” with his wife Heather, he knew it was time. He thanked the fans, the teammates, the coaches — all the right things. But much like his tenure in black and gold, the words felt like a formality rather than a farewell from someone who had ever fully arrived.

And now, the Saints — and their fans — turn the page. Ready for something new. Ready, finally, to move forward.