New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr surprised everyone when he announced his retirement following the 2025 NFL Draft. While the world knew he was battling a shoulder injury that could threaten his 2025, nobody expected him to hang up the cleats and effectively forfeit $30 million. Now 34 years old, some theorized that Carr could sit out 2025, rest his shoulder, and attempt to return in 2026. While 34 is old for the NFL, several quarterbacks have played well deep into their late 30’s.
However, David Carr, a former NFL quarterback himself, recently took to the airwaves to discuss his brother’s future. According to the 2002 first-overall pick, Derek Carr is “definitely done playing” and has “moved on.”
Derek Carr Retirement Update: Saints Quarterback “Definitely Done Playing”
Even if Derek Carr changes his mind about retirement, it’s safe to assume he’s played his final snap with the Saints. Retiring cleared $30 million in cap space for New Orleans, and that money would go back on the books if he unretires and New Orleans decides to keep him. In the unlikely event he returns to the field, the Saints will almost certainly release his rights and move forward with second-round pick Tyler Shough or whoever else might end up starting in 2026.
Derek Carr originally entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Selected by the then-Oakland Raiders, the quarterback overcame his Day 2 draft capital to earn the Week 1 starting job as a rookie. Following a promising debut, the Fresno State product made four Pro Bowls during his nine seasons with the Raiders and led the team to two playoff appearances, although he never won a postseason game. During his 11 years in the league, Carr completed 65.1% of his passes for 41,245 yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions.
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