When Derek Carr announced his retirement earlier this month, the decision shocked the NFL world.
But a new report from ESPN suggests his exit from football – and from the New Orleans Saints – may have been in the works well before the veteran quarterback officially stepped away.
According to ESPN, the 34-year-old Carr “was open to playing for a new team,” and representatives for the quarterback reportedly initiated exploratory conversations with at least two quarterback-needy franchises during free agency in March.
While the Saints were navigating a coaching shake-up that included the departures of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko – both of whom Carr had built strong ties with – the quarterback was left to adapt to new leadership under incoming head coach Kellen Moore.
ESPN described this shift, along with the team’s plans to restructure Carr’s contract, as a “potential source of friction.”
Carr was entering the third year of a four-year, $150 million deal with New Orleans, but 2025 marked the final season in which guaranteed money was on the table.
Many insiders believed this could set the stage for a separation in 2026 – but few expected the marriage to end this early.
Notably, ESPN reports that throughout “talk of an impending split” and “conversations Carr’s camp had with other teams,” there was no mention of “a potentially career-ending injury.”
Yet in the weeks leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, news broke that Carr was managing a significant shoulder issue – one that ultimately placed his status for the upcoming season in doubt.
The Saints responded by selecting Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round, adding him to a young quarterback room that already included Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.
In a heartfelt statement, Carr said: “It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
Carr walked away from $30 million in future salary, though he retained a $10 million roster bonus paid in March. He leaves the game after 11 seasons, including nine with the Raiders and two with the Saints.
In 2024, he threw for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just five interceptions over 10 games, posting an impressive 101 passer rating before being sidelined by injury.
Over his career, Carr amassed 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions across 169 games.
While Carr cited his nagging shoulder injury as the reason for retiring, some remain unconvinced that he’s truly done.
NFL analyst Ross Tucker, speaking on his podcast, said he’s not “a hundred percent convinced” Carr’s retirement is permanent.
Tucker speculated that financial or contractual pressure from the Saints may have played a role in Carr’s decision, saying players don’t “voluntarily” walk away from $30 million.
“There’s a world where New Orleans may have threatened a grievance if Carr underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve,” Tucker added.
Despite the swirling rumors, Carr’s family seems content with his decision and feel it’s certainly a permanent one.
His wife, Heather, posted a video online chronicling Carr’s “first day of retirement,” showing him enjoying time with family – a possible indication he’s fully embracing life after football.
Carr’s older brother, former NFL quarterback David Carr, also pushed back on speculation of a comeback.
“I believe that he is done,” David said on the NFL Network. “I can tell, just in the last couple days, that he’s definitely done playing and he’s moved on.”
David Carr, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, saw his own NFL journey unfold very differently than Derek’s.
While David never overlapped with his younger brother in the league, he praised Derek’s successful career, noting his four Pro Bowl appearances and long-standing stability at quarterback for the Raiders.
With Carr now stepping away for good – at least for now – the Saints face a pivotal offseason as they look to rebuild under center. Whether Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, or another option steps into that role remains to be seen.
What are your thoughts on the swirling rumors of Carr potentially returning to the league???
