Derek Carr finally explained publicly why he decided to retire from the NFL, despite the fact that, had he stayed with the New Orleans Saints, he would have secured a hefty $30 million payment for the 2025 season. The quarterback revealed his thought process during an exclusive interview with Front Office Sports.
“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. 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%. So, that doesn’t help them either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team.”
Carr had to choose retirement due to a shoulder injury that prevents him from continuing his professional career. Now, the Saints are in a real predicament as they try to find their quarterback of the future.
Who will be the next Saints’ starting quarterback?
Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Hunter Dekkers will compete for the starting quarterback job with the New Orleans Saints. Jake Haener was also in the mix, but at the moment, he’s battling an injury (oblique strain).
Why did Derek Carr retire?
Derek Carr admitted that the shoulder injury was the key factor in his decision to retire, even if it meant sacrificing a large amount of money. The quarterback is at peace with his decision and is now focused on the next stage of his life.
“I never played just for the money. 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.”
Is Derek Carr staying with Saints?
No. Derek Carr confirmed that he will not stay with the New Orleans Saints. Additionally, the player was clear and stated that, for now, he doesn’t foresee a possible comeback after recovering from the injury.
“My agent literally texted me a few days ago and he said, ‘Hey, just checking it in. How’s everything? You still feel comfortable with the decision?’ And I sent him a picture of me on the beach with my two kids playing. And I said, ‘This beats an OTA any day.’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I thought so.’ So, I’m doing great and have thoroughly enjoyed being home.”