Quarterback Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints Reveals Retirement After 11 Years in the NFL

New Orleans Saints' longtime quarterback, Derek Carr, has announced his retirement from professional football, citing a labral tear and chronic rotator cuff problems in his right shoulder as the deciding factors.

The 34-year-old Carr, who joined the NFL in 2014 after being picked by the then-in the second round, has spent 11 seasons in the league. He embarked on his journey from Fresno State onto the professional stage.

In an emotional statement on the team's platform, Carr expressed profound gratitude: 'For more than a decade, we've been incredibly fortunate, and we are eternally thankful for the experience. It’s challenging to find words to convey our appreciation to all teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials, and especially the fans who have made this journey remarkable. Your steadfast support meant everything to us.'

Carr's Tenure with the Saints

Carr was signed by the Saints as a free agent in 2023. During his time in New Orleans, he had a somewhat variable performance, ending with a 14-13 record as a starter. His playtime was marred by oblique, hand, and head injuries, leading to him missing seven games in the recent season.

Career Achievements and Records

At the conclusion of his career, Carr had amassed a total of 41,245 yards, hurled 257 touchdowns, and recorded 112 interceptions. Despite these achievements, he retires with a starter record of 77-92 and without a playoff victory.

Carr's retirement follows New Orleans' decision to secure a prospective starting quarterback for the future, though it remains unclear how soon his successor will take the reins.

Competing for the quarterback role, the Saints roster now features second-year pro Spencer Rattler and third-year player Jake Haener. Last season, these players managed only one victory out of seven games between them, with Rattler starting in six.