New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr. Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Saints didn’t waste time turning the page after quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement on Saturday. Just hours later, rookie Tyler Shough was already on the practice field, taking snaps inside the team’s indoor facility. His reps mark the beginning of a three-way quarterback battle involving Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.
Coach Moore: “Let Them Compete”
Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that the job is up for grabs.
“We’re going to let all three of these guys roll, and they’ve all earned these opportunities,” Moore said. “We’ll let Jake, Spencer and Tyler, all three, go through this process. Again, we’ll play patience, let these guys compete, let them get into training camp and naturally these [competitions will] take care of itself.”
Shough said Moore broke the retirement news to him that morning.
“I think that’s all you can ask for is an opportunity at any position, and I’m going to treat it the same way, as if, whoever was on the roster, I’ve got to continue to grow and get better and do my best to elevate the quarterback room,” Shough said.
Carr Ends 11-Year Career Due to Shoulder Injury
Carr had dealt with shoulder pain since March following his first throwing session of the offseason. Medical scans revealed a torn labrum and major damage to his rotator cuff. Surgery was possible, but doctors said it could keep him out for all of 2025 — and he might never regain full strength. Carr chose retirement after consulting with his wife, Heather.
“For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience,” Carr said in a statement. “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.”
Later, he posted on Instagram:
“Through it all, I gave this game everything I had every day. I sleep well knowing that I gave my teammates, my coaches and my cities my all.” Now, I look forward to whatever God has next and I’ll pursue it with the same fire I brought to the field. God bless and see you soon.”
Injury Known Before It Went Public
The Saints had known about the injury since March. GM Mickey Loomis said before the draft they were waiting for “clarity.” Moore added that Carr had communicated well throughout.
“He did everything he could,” Moore said. “As he’s gone through this, he’s communicated extremely well. He’s worked really hard to himself in position, and ultimately this was the outcome.”
Career Overview: A Raider and a Saint
Carr, drafted in 2014 by the Raiders, spent nine seasons there before signing a four-year, $150 million deal with the Saints in 2023. He won’t receive the full amount, giving up his $30 million base salary for 2025, but he’ll keep a $10 million roster bonus.
He retires with 169 starts, a 77-92 record, 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions.
Allen Reflects on Carr’s Impact
Dennis Allen, now the Bears’ defensive coordinator, coached Carr in both Oakland and New Orleans.
“My experience with him was outstanding,” Allen said. “He is a great individual. I was there when we drafted him in Oakland, had a chance to coach him again as he matured there in New Orleans. I love Derek Carr. … He did a lot of good things and was always somebody that was pleasant to be around in the building.”
Saints’ Future Lies With the Youth
With Carr stepping away, the spotlight now shifts to Shough, Rattler, and Haener. Training camp will decide who leads New Orleans under center as a new era begins.
More must-reads:
Why the 49ers Still Haven’t Drafted an Offensive Tackle
Why the Broncos Drafted RJ Harvey to Lead Their Backfield
This report used information from ESPN.
