Derek Carr has been dealing with a shoulder injury that called his availability for the 2025 season into question, but the veteran quarterback is going to sit out for a different reason.
Carr announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday. The New Orleans Saints issued a statement explaining that Carr experienced pain in his right shoulder while preparing for the season. Doctors determined that the 34-year-old had a labral tear and degenerative issues with rotator cuff.
While Carr could have undergone surgery and sat out all of 2025, the Saints say there was no guarantee he would have returned at full strength.
Carr also issued a statement confirming the news.
“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr said. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
