Derek Carr Announces Retirement Following Shoulder Injury, Concluding 11-Year NFL Career

As the New Orleans Saints wrapped up their rookie minicamp, the team’s focus shifted to an unexpected announcement: veteran quarterback Derek Carr revealed his retirement Saturday morning, just months before the 2025 NFL season. The decision followed a persistent shoulder injury that jeopardized his ability to return to peak performance.

Carr, who started 27 games for the Saints over two seasons (2023–2024), posted a heartfelt farewell on Instagram, expressing gratitude to teammates, fans, and the Raiders and Saints organizations. “Thank you doesn’t say enough,” he wrote, reflecting on his 11-year career. “I sleep well knowing I gave my all to my teams, coaches, and cities.”

Injury Ends Comeback Attempt

The 34-year-old quarterback’s retirement stemmed from a recent setback in his recovery. While preparing for the 2025 season—his first full offseason since sustaining a concussion and broken left hand in December 2024—Carr experienced renewed pain in his throwing shoulder. Medical evaluations revealed a labral tear and significant degenerative damage to his rotator cuff. Surgery posed a high risk, with no guarantee of restoring his arm’s strength or functionality, prompting Carr to step away.

Legacy of Resilience

Carr’s career spanned nine seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders and two with the Saints, amassing 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 35 game-winning drives. Despite a 14-13 record in New Orleans, his leadership during turbulent seasons earned respect. Saints coach Kellen Moore praised Carr’s professionalism, stating, “His impact on and off the field, and the way he handled this process, reflects the person he is.”

The Saints now face a pivotal transition as they evaluate their quarterback options ahead of 2025, closing a chapter on Carr’s tenure marked by grit but cut short by injury.