After 11 seasons, Derek Carr formally retired from the NFL on May 10th. Stating that he is unable to play any longer due to a degenerative rotator cuff injury and a labral tear in his throwing arm. In an emotional statement, Carr said, “Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League.” In 2025, the 34-year-old quarterback was due $30 million in fully guaranteed salary. But instead, he decided not to encash it and retire.

The New Orleans Saints weren’t expected to experience another identity crisis so quickly after going through the loss of Drew Brees, Sean Payton, and a succession of quarterbacks attempting to rebuild the squad. Derek Carr, who recently became the Raiders’ all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and quarterback rating, was brought in to help stabilise the post-Brees era. He gave them a glimmer of optimism in 2023. He was supposed to provide them with consistency in 2024. However, everything changed as 2025 arrived.

The Carr era has officially come to an end. As everyone honoured the quarterback. However, one message in the Saints locker room stood out—not because of what it said, but because of what it didn’t say. Just a day after Carr’s retirement, Rookie QB Tyler Shough posted a series of photos from the Saints’ rookie minicamp. In one, he’s wearing a No. 6 jersey and zipping a pass. The caption? Just three words: “Rookie Mini Camp⚜️” and the hashtag #WHODAT. There was no mention of Carr. Just a loud, if not direct, announcement of a new era.

However, another Saints quarterback prospect did pay his respects. One of Carr’s younger teammates, Spencer Rattler, honoured him by posting an Instagram story. “Congrats on a great career, my guy! Appreciate you for everything!💯 @derekcarrqb,” he wrote, with a photo of the two on the field. Kicker Blake Grupe joined in, “Enjoy retirement DC 👊🏻.” The respect was evident for a man who was frequently ignored in MVP discussions but was never ignored in locker rooms. Derek Carr leaves behind a history of toughness and class: four Pro Bowls, six seasons with 4,000 yards, and nearly $200 million in career earnings.

His injury was reported by Nick Underhill as a labral tear and rotator cuff degeneration. But what shocked people more was that he turned down $30 million that was fully guaranteed in 2025. Most quarterbacks don’t do that, especially those who are battling illnesses that could end their careers. However, he left on his own terms, relieving the Saints of financial pressure. And paving the way for one of the most competitive quarterback competitions the team has seen in a long time.

Shough, Rattler & Haener: Let the QB battle begin

The quarterback room is becoming a high-stakes battlefield as a result of Carr’s abrupt departure. Saints head coach Kellen Moore told reporters, “We’re going to let all three of these guys roll,” referring to second-year quarterback Jake Haener, rookie Tyler Shough, and Spencer Rattler. Moore stressed that every quarterback will have “the chance to win the Saints’ starting job,” according to Adam Schefter.

Tyler Shough has emerged as the front-runner among the three. The 25-year-old, who was selected in the second round, has four degrees, seven years of collegiate experience, and a rollercoaster resume that includes stops at Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. Shough won the College Sports Communicators’ Comeback Player of the Year award in 2024 after throwing for 3,915 yards and 23 touchdowns despite suffering serious injuries. “Tyler’s experience, certainly there’s value to that,” Moore said. “His ability to process football at a very easy rate in the classroom…He’s got great exposure, and he’s got great experiences that he can lean on.”

Moore, however, is not handing out the keys to anyone, not even his draft pick in the second round. He acknowledged the importance of each candidate and said, “We certainly felt like adding a quarterback to that room would’ve been valuable under all circumstances.” It has been two years since Jake Haener entered the system. In South Carolina, Rattler’s raw talent and arm strength made waves. However, Shough’s health and maturity could tip the scales.

Shough is already “turning heads” at rookie minicamp, according to Preme Sports. But the real test will be when pads go on. The city is hungry. Moore’s system is demanding. And the spotlight is fierce. There is a genuine leadership void following Derek Carr’s departure, and someone must step up to take it. The Saints’ quarterback carousel is formally underway, whether it’s the swagger-filled Rattler, the dark horse Haener, or the battle-tested Shough. Only time will tell.