Derek Carr’s offseason just took a turn no one saw coming. Months after the 2024 season ended, reports came that the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback has been nursing a shoulder injury, serious enough that surgery is on the table and 2025 could be in question. That news didn’t just raise eyebrows, it sparked talk in the league, especially in the team. And now, some more updates have come out on Carr’s questionable status.

According to NFL Network’s Jane Slater on X, “When I was in New Orleans, it came out ahead of the draft that Derek Carr had this shoulder injury. I think it actually shocked a lot of people, even that who are familiar with the team and work around the facility. And Mickey Loomis wasn’t elaborating on it, despite getting pressed by reporters.” That’s odd.

When did Carr experience this injury? To which the National reporter mentioned, “It’s my understanding that Derek Carr absolutely believes that this shoulder injury took place during the same game that he injured the wrist. Now, why are we just hearing about it now? Well, it’s my understanding that he wasn’t really throwing, obviously, after he injured the wrist. And, you know, afterwards, they were essentially eliminated from contention, and he really didn’t start throwing a bunch until about here lately, while he was getting ready to start ramping up for the spring. That’s when he noticed that he had this issue in his shoulder.” So, the reason it’s just now coming out is because he didn’t really throw much until this spring.

Before that, it was just light stuff like tossing a fake football during walkthroughs with guys like Alvin Kamara. Since the Saints were already out of the playoff picture, he didn’t have to push it.

Now, about surgery–he’s hesitant. Carr has had work done on that arm before, and he’s not eager to go down that road again. Right now, both the QB and the Saints are trying to figure out what’s best, and it sounds like, what Slater said, a decision will come “sooner rather than later.” But yeah, there’s still a lot of noise and not many clear answers, so for now… We’ll have to wait.

NFL insider Dianna Russini, too, hinted the timing felt like a move to keep Derek Carr from landing behind a rookie. But Carr wasn’t staying quiet. He came out swinging, saying, “I hate that I have to say this, but I have to say this. Yes, I have a shoulder injury, despite what ESPN says and what some lady on a podcast might think. I have an MRI report to prove it. The team knows about it, we’ve been in constant communication. There’s nothing wrong, we’re figuring it out. We’re going to go forward with that.” So the truth is out.

And now on Tuesday, NFL Network’s Jane Slater filled in the gaps of Carr’s injury. So now, with the truth out, it’s all eyes on how he and the Saints move forward. But let us remind you, on the other hand, Kellen Moore didn’t waste time making a bold move in his first year as Saints head coach.

Kellen Moore has a QB plan amidst Derek Carr’s injury status?

With the team needing a fresh start under center, Kellen Moore skipped over the flashier QB names like Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart. Instead, he took chances on Tyler Shough. A 26-year-old rookie out of Louisville. He took him 40th overall as a backup for Derek Carr. That raised eyebrows fast. Why?

Well, it’s because Shough’s college journey was long and bumpy – he went from Oregon to Texas Tech, then finally to Louisville. Along the way, he racked up serious injuries: two collarbone breaks and a busted fibula. Hence, critics like ESPN’s Pamela Maldonado didn’t hold back, slamming the pick as risky for a team needing stability.

He said, “It made little sense, especially for a team that needs long-term stability under center. Shough will be 26 with a laundry list of major injuries, including two separate collarbone breaks and a broken fibula from a hip-drop tackle. He holds the ball too long, invites pressure, and doesn’t get through reads fast enough — traits that only increase his risk of taking more hits.”

But here’s the thing – this may not be as reckless as it sounds. The Saints didn’t reach for him in the top ten, and second-round quarterbacks rarely pan out anyway. So if he clicks in Moore’s offense, great. If not, they can always reload in 2026’s deeper QB class. With Derek Carr’s future up in the air, taking a risk on Shough might not be wild – it might just be smart.