Shockwaves in the Big Easy: Saints QB Derek Carr Announces Retirement After Devastating Shoulder Injury Ends 2025 Season Before It Begins
New Orleans, LA — In a stunning and emotional turn of events, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, citing a lingering and debilitating shoulder injury that will sideline him for the entirety of the 2025 season.
Carr, 34, made the announcement early Thursday morning through a heartfelt post on his social media accounts, saying, “This isn’t how I imagined it ending, but sometimes God’s plan is different than our own. After months of rehab, prayer, and reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from the game I love.”
The injury — a torn labrum and significant joint damage suffered late last season — was initially believed to be manageable through offseason treatment. However, sources close to the Saints organization report that Carr’s progress during rehabilitation had stalled, with doctors warning of long-term damage if he continued playing.
A Career That Left a Mark
Derek Carr finishes his career after 11 seasons in the NFL, beginning with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders in 2014 and joining the Saints in 2023. Over his career, he threw for over 38,000 yards and 233 touchdowns. While he never captured a Super Bowl ring, Carr was a four-time Pro Bowler and consistently recognized as one of the league’s most respected and resilient leaders.
His time in New Orleans was short, but impactful. In the 2023 season, Carr threw for 3,736 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the Saints to a playoff berth and earning praise from coaches, teammates, and fans alike for his poise under pressure.
“Derek brought a championship mindset to our locker room,” said Saints head coach Dennis Allen in a press conference following the announcement. “He’s not just a great quarterback — he’s a great man, and the kind of leader every coach dreams of.”
Saints Face Uncertain Future at Quarterback
With Carr’s sudden departure, the Saints now face a quarterback crisis heading into the 2025 season. Backup options include veteran Jameis Winston and young prospect Jake Haener, though neither has been definitively named as the starter.
League insiders suggest New Orleans may now look to the trade market or revisit the free agency pool for a late addition. Rumors are already swirling about a potential move for a veteran signal-caller or even exploring options in the upcoming supplemental draft.
An Emotional Farewell
Carr’s announcement has already sparked an outpouring of support from teammates, fans, and fellow players across the league.
Las Vegas Raiders wideout Davante Adams, a longtime friend and former teammate, tweeted: “Proud of you brother. You gave everything. Legacy secure.”
Carr ended his message to fans with these words: “I’ll miss the huddle. I’ll miss the lights. But I’ll never stop being grateful for every snap. Thank you to Raider Nation and the Who Dat Nation. You gave me purpose, and I hope I gave you memories.”
As the NFL world adjusts to the loss of one of its most consistent and admired quarterbacks, the Saints — and their fans — will begin the search for their next chapter under center.
