Derek Carr was one of the NFL’s most reliable and consistent quarterbacks for over a decade. Few quarterbacks can surpass Carr’s accomplishment of starting 15 or more games in each of his first ten seasons. He was selected by the then-Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2023, he became the Raiders’ all-time leader in passing yards (35,222), touchdowns (217), and quarterback rating (91.8). But in the end, it wasn’t a defensive line or a losing season that ended Carr’s career.

Carr had been suffering from increasing pain in his throwing arm while training for the 2025 season. What began as discomfort turned out to be a considerably more serious situation. According to Nick Underhill, Carr sustained degenerative rotator cuff damage and a labral tear, an injury so bad that surgery was necessary to keep him out of action for the entire 2025 season. Ian Rapoport went on to say that although Carr had tried injections and rehabilitation, a complete recovery without surgery was not achievable.

So, on May 10, officially, Derek Carr’s NFL career comes to an end, and it didn’t end the way many had hoped. “Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League.” The New Orleans Saints quarterback said in a heartfelt statement announcing his retirement after 11 seasons. Carr thanked the people who helped him over his more than a decade in the league, “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.”

It was a quiet end to a loud career. Carr reacted to media rumours over his absence from team workouts by openly discussing the injury during a guest sermon at Church LV in Las Vegas on April 27. “I have an MRI report to prove it,” Carr said. “The team knows about it, we’ve been in constant communication… we’re figuring it out.” Even after selecting QB Tyler Shough in the second round of the draft, Saints GM Mickey Loomis insisted Carr would remain the starter if healthy. Now, the Saints are left with Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener heading into training camp—unless they dip into the veteran market.

Carr’s 11-year NFL career, which included four Pro Bowls, six seasons with 4,000 yards, and a lasting reputation as a class man on and off the field, comes to an end with his retirement. He was a key player in two teams because of his longevity, leadership, and toughness. But as Carr himself realized, sometimes the body speaks louder than the will to play.

The $30 million goodbye: Derek Carr’s contract exit explained

Beyond the emotional goodbye, Carr’s choice to forego $30 million in a fully guaranteed salary for the 2025 season also shocked many. Carr could’ve undergone shoulder surgery, collected his guaranteed pay while recovering, and waited until 2026 to decide whether to return or retire. He would have had every right to do so, and many athletes in comparable situations have done so. But Carr chose otherwise.

Sources told Pro Football Talk that Carr and the Saints worked out a quiet agreement about his retirement. In March, the franchise modified his deal, shifting the majority of his 2025 salary into cap-relieving prorated payments. Carr retains his $10 million roster bonus from March under this new agreement, and the Saints won’t try to get back any of his $28.5 million 2023 signing bonus. He will, however, lose the $30 million base pay that was entirely promised to him in 2025.

That choice reveals a lot about Carr’s priorities and his moral character. He escaped a lengthy recovery and the uncertainty that frequently accompanies major surgery. Carr’s early retirement relieves the Saints of a significant financial burden and provides clarity going into the offseason.

Carr leaves the NFL with almost $200 million in total earnings, including the respect of teammates, coaches, and league fans. Meanwhile, New Orleans faces tough decisions at quarterback. The NFL loses one of its most esteemed veterans, and the Saints suddenly have a quarterback void. Carr’s leadership and tenacity have made an impression. And in typical Carr manner, he leaves with grace.