Derek Carr has announced his retirement from the NFL at the age of 34. The decision comes after he faced the prospect of shoulder surgery to repair a labral tear and rotator cuff damage, which would have likely sidelined him for the entire season. Carr shared his choice on Saturday, explaining that it was made after prayer and discussions with his wife.
In a heartfelt statement, Carr expressed gratitude for his 11 years in the league, thanking teammates, coaches, management, and especially the fans for their support throughout his career. He highlighted how blessed he felt during his time in the NFL.
Carr was drafted in the second round in 2014 and spent most of his career with the Raiders, where he made four Pro Bowl appearances. Despite his success, he only played in one playoff game and earned about $195.6 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history.
His final season was with the New Orleans Saints, where he went 14-13. However, his time with the Saints was marred by injuries. In March, while preparing for the upcoming season, Carr experienced pain in his right shoulder after throwing for the first time since recovering from previous injuries. Medical scans revealed the severity of his shoulder issues.
The Saints had been looking for a quarterback after Carr’s retirement. They have drafted several quarterbacks in recent years, including Tyler Shough, who was selected in the second round this year. Shough is considered a promising option for the team’s future.
Carr’s last play in the NFL was a 9-yard run against the Giants, where he sustained an injury that kept him out for the rest of the season. His retirement means he will keep a $10 million roster bonus but will forfeit a $30 million salary for 2025. The Saints will face significant salary cap implications due to his retirement, with dead cap charges totaling $13.2 million in 2025 and $35.6 million in 2026.
As Carr steps away from the game, his legacy as a talented quarterback who faced both triumphs and challenges will be remembered by fans and players alike.