Professional quarterback Derek Carr of the Saints is calling it quits due to substantial degenerative issues in his right shoulder.
Rewritten Article:
Take a seat, 'cause we're gonna talk 'bout Derek Carr, the 34-year-old quarterback who decided to call it quits. Why you ask? A bum right shoulder, that's what. Specifically, a labral tear and some serious wear and tear on the rotator cuff.
Carr, who's been in the league since 2014 when he was drafted by the then-Oakland Raiders, moved to the Saints in 2023. While he had a decent run with the Saints, earning a record of 14-13 as a starter, he took a few hits last season—oblique, hand, and head injuries that kept him off the field for seven games.
The ol' shoulder issue came up when Carr started ramping up training during the offseason, leading to him seeking medical attention, and eventually, retiring. Surgery was an option, but it could have jeopardized the entire 2025 season and there were no guarantees he'd bounce back to his former glory.
The Saints were tight-lipped about the injury until a day before the draft—Carr didn't speak publicly until he dropped a guest sermon at a Las Vegas church, where he took some jabs at his critics who questioned the timing of the injury and the team's seeming reluctance to address it.
With Carr stepping away, the Saints are left with a few young guns in the quarterback department: Tyler Shough, a second-round pick from the 2025 draft, Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round pick from 2024, and Jake Haener, a fourth-round pick from 2023.
It remains to be seen if any of these lads will take over the starting spot, but it looks like the Saints are putting their faith in the next draft or free agency to shore up their quarterback situation.
Trivia tidbit: Carr retires with a career passing total of 41,245 yards, 257 TDs, and 112 interceptions, without ever winning a playoff game.
Rough break for the guy, but sometimes the body just says it's time to hang up the spikes, y'know? So, thank you, Derek, for the memories, and best of luck with whatever's next.
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- Derek Carr, aged 34 and a former NFL quarterback, announced his retirement due to a labral tear and significant wear and tear on his right shoulder.
- Carr, who joined the New Orleans Saints in 2023, had a decent two-year run with the team, but injuries took their toll, particularly a series of setbacks in the 2023 season.
- During the offseason training in 2024, Carr's shoulder issue resurfaced, leading to his decision to retire, as the risk of surgery could have jeopardized the entire 2025 season with no guarantees of recovery.
- In his farewell, Carr subtly rebuked his critics during a guest sermon at a Las Vegas church, following the team's initial silence about his injury.
- Entering the post-Carr era, the Saints will rely on three young talents: Tyler Shough (2025 draft pick), Spencer Rattler (2024 draft pick), and Jake Haener (2023 draft pick).
- It remains uncertain which of these quarterbacks will secure the starting position, with the Saints looking to address this through the upcoming draft or free agency.
- Carr departs the NFL with an impressive career total of 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions, despite failing to secure a playoff victory throughout his career.
