Derek Carr’s surprise retirement reminded fans just how unpredictable the NFL can be.
The old phrase “any given Sunday” still rings true, but in this case, it might be better said as “any given day.” NFL fans no longer get to watch the New Orleans Saints’ quarterback on Sundays, but now, instead, they are watching how the team adjusts to losing him for good.
Of course, not every fan, analyst, or even his agent is buying Carr’s retirement at face value. Some are clinging to the idea that Carr could be back in the saddle before long. The former quarterback recently addressed the chances of a return.
Derek Carr Says What Many Players Might Be Thinking About OTAs
Speaking to Front Office Sports in a June 5, 2025, article, Carr was candid about his feelings regarding a return, hinting at a dislike for organized team activities (OTAs).
“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,’” Carr said. “So, I’m doing great and have thoroughly enjoyed being home.”
It is common for OTAs to be the most-skipped event on the NFL calendar, and this is not always due to a decision made by the player. A lingering injury, contract disputes, or conflicting travel plans can all cause OTAs to take a backseat.
That said, not every player gets the luxury of skipping OTAs for any reason. If they are on the bubble of making the roster, skipping the event is remarkably risky. It could take a player from the middle of the depth chart down to fighting for a spot.
Still, in Carr’s situation, he does not have to make a final decision for some time.
Carr’s Luxuriously Painful Situation Offers Opportunity
While retired, Carr is still unable to fully relax physically, as he continues to deal with injuries from his career in the NFL. A return to the gridiron would still see him sidelined as he fully recovers.
It’s amazing how fan confidence in the Saints has eroded so quickly since the glory years of Sean Payton & Drew Brees.
Saturday our news department got dozens of fans reacting to the Derek Carr retirement news.
This one basically sums up the feelings of the Who Dat Nation. pic.twitter.com/nIQQRWbXUg
— Fletcher Mackel (@FletcherWDSU) May 12, 2025
As such, once he heals, he will have a wide-open option to get back on the field in 2026 if he decides he is bored watching from home. It would not take much to spin his retirement into a recovery period, keeping his career status intact.
However, he did not seem interested in a return at the moment, saying a broadcasting future could be in line. As well, he has business interests to pursue. “I knew off the field, business-wise, I was always going to do things,” Carr said of his plans as a retired football player. “Because I can’t not do anything.”
Meanwhile, the Saints will likely try to get more out of rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in 2026 or consider starting over with another player after dealing with Carr’s injuries and retirement.
