The New Orleans Saints are facing a significant challenge just weeks before the start of the NFL season, as their starting quarterback Derek Carr has announced his retirement due to a serious shoulder injury. The team officially communicated Carr’s decision on Saturday morning.
In a statement, the Saints revealed that Carr, who had been preparing for the 2025 season, experienced pain in his right shoulder while throwing a football. This was his first experience with intense throwing since recovering from both a concussion and a left hand injury incurred during a game on December 8, 2024. Following this, medical scans confirmed that Carr had sustained a labral tear, as well as notable degenerative changes in his rotator cuff.
Over the past weeks, Carr collaborated with medical professionals, both within the Saints organization and external experts, to explore his options. Surgery was on the table, but it posed the risk of sidelining him for the entire season, and there were no assurances he would regain his previous performance levels if he went through with the procedure.
After consulting with his wife, Heather, Carr made the difficult decision to retire, prioritizing his family’s well-being and the future of the Saints organization. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed,” Carr expressed in his retirement announcement. He extended heartfelt gratitude to his teammates, coaches, management, ownership, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.
This unexpected turn of events marks a significant moment for both Carr and the Saints, who will now need to pivot and seek a solution at the quarterback position as they approach the upcoming season. The Saints have a strong community support system that may help them navigate this transition.
While this news is undoubtedly a setback for the team, it also opens doors for other players who may step up to fill the quarterback role. The journey forward will require resilience and adaptability from both players and fans. The team remains committed to making the best decisions for their future, reinforcing hope for a successful season ahead despite these challenges.