Retirement Announcement and Its Impact
Derek Carr, the former quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, has announced his retirement after 11 seasons in the NFL. This decision comes after Carr struggled with a significant shoulder injury, specifically a labral tear and degenerative changes to his rotator cuff. Despite attempts at rehabilitation, the injury requires surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season. Carr’s retirement leaves the Saints with a void at quarterback, prompting them to explore new options for the upcoming season.
Saints’ Quarterback Options
With Carr’s retirement official, the Saints must decide their next steps at quarterback. The team recently drafted Tyler Shough in the second round and has Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener on the roster. Last season, the Saints went 0-7 in games that Carr did not start, highlighting the importance of finding a reliable replacement. The timing of Carr’s retirement allows New Orleans to plan its offense around one of its young quarterbacks without controversy over Carr’s decision lingering into training camp.
Potential Veteran Additions
The Saints might consider bringing in a veteran quarterback to provide stability and experience. Options include exploring free agents like Aaron Rodgers or Carson Wentz, or considering trades involving players like Kirk Cousins. However, the team may also choose to stick with their current young quarterbacks, giving them a chance to prove themselves during the offseason.
Financial Implications of Carr’s Retirement
Contractually, Carr was due $40 million this season but restructured his contract for salary cap purposes. He forfeits $30 million base salary but retains a $10 million signing bonus contingent on medical clearance to practice and play. If he doesn’t file retirement papers until June 1, most cap implications will affect 2026. People close to the situation would be surprised if Carr attempted an NFL return given his age and shoulder injury recovery challenges.
Derek Carr’s Legacy
Carr’s legacy includes being underrated despite playing under multiple head coaches and coordinators. He made four Pro Bowls and was durable before his final year with New Orleans. However, he was often seen as unable to lead a team to major success. His only playoff appearance resulted in a loss during an AFC wild-card game with the Raiders in 2022. Over his career, he accumulated 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions with a record of 77 wins and 92 losses in 169 games.
Strength of Schedule Challenges
In other NFL news, the New York Giants face the toughest schedule for the 2025 season based on 2024 standings. Their home games are particularly challenging, with six out of eight against playoff teams from the previous year. The Giants are followed by teams like the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys in terms of schedule difficulty.
Draft Picks and Team Fits
The 2025 NFL draft featured numerous strong prospect-team matches. Notable selections include Mason Graham for the Cleveland Browns, Tetairoa McMillan for the Carolina Panthers, and Kelvin Banks Jr. for the Saints. These players are expected to make significant impacts on their respective teams, fitting well into their systems and coaching styles.
Remaining Roster Needs
Despite efforts in free agency and the draft, all 32 NFL teams exited the draft with at least one position group lacking depth or quality. For example, the Buffalo Bills need an outside wide receiver, while the Miami Dolphins require a slot receiver. The New England Patriots need cornerback depth, and the New York Jets are still searching for a reliable quarterback.
Player Trades and Team Decisions
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys due to concerns about his emotional maturity and issues during his time with the team. The Steelers have a history of taking risks on talented players with character concerns, which has sometimes backfired. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders welcomed new wide receiver Jack Bech, who is honoring his late brother as he begins his NFL career.
Conclusion
The NFL landscape continues to evolve with significant player movements, team decisions, and draft outcomes. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, they must address their roster needs and adapt to changes like Derek Carr’s retirement. The Saints, in particular, face a critical decision in finding a new quarterback to lead their team into the future.