by New Orleans, LA – June 6, 2025 – In a surprising move that sent ripples through the NFL landscape, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement from professional football in May 2025. While the news of a shoulder injury requiring surgery was initially cited as the primary reason, Carr has now shed further light on his decision, revealing a profound personal conviction: he didn’t want to “just take the Saints’ money.”
This revelation has resonated with fans and analysts alike, painting a picture of a player prioritizing integrity and team welfare over guaranteed millions. At 34 years old, with over $200 million in career earnings and a lucrative contract still in place with the Saints, Carr’s choice to walk away speaks volumes about his character and values.
The Contractual Conundrum: Millions Left on the Table
Derek Carr signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the New Orleans Saints in March 2023, which included a significant amount of guaranteed money. Leading up to his retirement, his contract had been restructured, seemingly to provide the Saints with cap relief. This restructuring had made $30 million of his 2025 base salary guaranteed for injury.
The crux of Carr’s decision lies here: a serious AC joint injury in his right (throwing) shoulder, coupled with “significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff,” would have required surgery, likely sidelining him for the entire 2025 season. Had he chosen to undergo surgery and remain on the roster, the Saints would have been on the hook for that guaranteed $30 million.
“That part was tough because I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and—it sounds crazy but—just take the Saints money,” Carr candidly told Front Office Sports. “I wouldn’t have been able to play if I had the surgery. And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn’t near 100%, and so that doesn’t help them, either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team.”
This decision, a rare instance of a high-profile player walking away from substantial guaranteed money, showcases a level of selflessness not often seen in the cutthroat business of professional sports. The Saints, in turn, avoided a massive dead cap hit for 2025 and beyond by reaching an agreement with Carr upon his retirement, allowing them to recoup a significant portion of the money.
More Than Money: Faith, Family, and Peace
Carr’s rationale goes beyond just the financial aspect. Throughout his career, he has been an outspoken advocate for his strong Christian faith and dedication to his family. These guiding principles appear to have played a more significant role than the allure of additional earnings.
“I never played just for the money,” Carr asserted. “I had a whole bunch of people tell me how crazy I was, and, ‘Man, I would never have done that.’ That’s all cool, but I’ve gained all these things that the world has to offer, and it doesn’t really do anything for your heart. I knew my heart was at peace, and that’s really all that mattered.”
This sentiment echoes similar statements from other high-profile athletes who have chosen early retirement, such as Andrew Luck, who walked away from the Indianapolis Colts at 29 due to the physical and mental toll of constant injuries and rehabilitation. Like Luck, Carr emphasized the peace he found in prioritizing his well-being and family life over the demands of the game.
Carr is married to Heather Neel, and together they have four children. A recent picture sent to his agent of him playing on the beach with his two kids, accompanied by the message, “This beats an OTA any day,” perfectly encapsulates his current contentment.
A Career of Grit and Franchise Records
Derek Carr’s NFL journey began in 2014 when he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round. Over nine seasons with the Raiders (including their transition to Las Vegas), he became the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards (35,222) and passing touchdowns (217). He earned four Pro Bowl selections (2015-2017, 2022) and was known for his durability and toughness, often playing through various ailments.
His tenure with the Saints, though brief (2023-2024), saw him lead the team to a 9-8 record in 2023, showcasing his leadership despite injuries. In 2024, his season was cut short after 10 games due to a hand injury, following an earlier oblique issue, foreshadowing the shoulder concerns that ultimately led to his retirement. Despite his health issues, Carr maintained a commendable 67.7% completion rate with 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in his final season.
While a Super Bowl ring eluded him, Carr’s legacy is firmly etched in the NFL as a resilient, talented quarterback who commanded respect for his professionalism and unwavering commitment to his teams.
The Saints’ Quarterback Future
Carr’s retirement immediately thrusts the New Orleans Saints into a new quarterback reality. The team is now left with a competition for the starting role in 2025, featuring a mix of youth and potential. As of the latest updates, the depth chart is expected to see:
- Spencer Rattler: The rookie from South Carolina, drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, is now a primary candidate for the starting job.
- Tyler Shough: Another promising young quarterback, drafted in the second round of the 2025 draft, will also be in the mix.
- Jake Haener: The 2023 fourth-round pick will have an opportunity to prove himself.
The Saints’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will now oversee a wide-open quarterback battle, a scenario that was unimaginable just months ago. This youth movement at the most crucial position will significantly impact the team’s trajectory moving forward.
Beyond the Field: Carr’s Next Chapter
Derek Carr’s retirement from the NFL doesn’t mean a retreat from the public eye. With his extensive experience and articulate nature, a career in sports broadcasting seems a natural fit. His older brother, David Carr (also a former NFL quarterback), is a respected analyst for NFL Network, and a collaboration between the two seems highly probable. Derek has already expressed interest in broadcasting, particularly at the college level, and the brothers recently launched a YouTube channel, “The Home Grown Network,” focusing on football analysis, golf, and personal stories.
Beyond media, Carr also has a strong business acumen, having invested in companies like Frönen (a dairy-free ice cream brand) and co-brokering a naming-rights deal for his alma mater, Fresno State, with Valley Children’s Healthcare. Coaching is also an area he’s “interested in exploring.”
An Admirable Departure
Derek Carr’s decision to retire, especially under these circumstances, highlights a unique blend of personal values and a deep understanding of the professional game. He chose to walk away from a substantial amount of money, not out of resentment, but out of a conviction that he couldn’t perform at 100% and didn’t want to be a financial burden to a team that signed him to lead them.
It’s a refreshing narrative in a league often dominated by financial disputes and cutthroat business decisions. Carr’s departure, while sudden, is a testament to his integrity and a reminder that for some, true peace and purpose extend far beyond the gridiron. The NFL will miss his presence on the field, but his honorable exit leaves a lasting impression.
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