The NFL world was shocked when New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr recently announced his retirement from the league. The rumors began early this offseason when Carr reportedly first noticed some pain in the shoulder of his throwing arm.
The 34-year-old quarterback had to decide whether to undergo surgery immediately, which would likely require him to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season or to walk away. The four-time Pro Bowler chose to walk away and forfeit his $30 million guaranteed salary for the upcoming season.
Saints’ QB Room Keeps Taking the Hits After Derek Carr Retirement
Carr’s retirement has left the Saints without their anticipated starting quarterback. Rumors have linked the Saints to signal-callers like Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins, but no one has been added to the roster.
The Saints’ current group includes Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and rookies Tyler Shough and Hunter Dekkers. Haener, Rattler, and Shough were thrust into a sudden quarterback competition after Carr’s retirement, while Dekkers would work to make a spot for himself. However, more bad news from the Saints camp has jeopardized that plan.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider, Adam Schefter, the Saints suffered another loss on the first day of OTAs, further complicating their quarterback competition.
“Saints QB Jake Haener, part of a three-way competition to become the team’s starting quarterback, suffered an oblique strain at the end of Wednesday’s practice and now is expected to miss “a couple of weeks”, per league sources. Haener likely will miss the remained of OTAs, but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp,” wrote Schefter in a post on X.
This reduces their three-man competition to a two-man competition for the foreseeable future. Unless the Saints bring in another veteran, either Rattler or Shough must step up for OTAs since Haener should return for training camp in mid-July.
Saints QB Jake Haener, part of a three-way competition to become the team’s starting quarterback, suffered an oblique strain at the end of Wednesday’s practice and now is expected to miss “a couple of weeks”, per league sources. Haener likely will miss the remainder of OTAs, but… pic.twitter.com/nSVcMkImze
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
Haener was the Saints’ 2023 fourth-round pick out of Fresno State. His time in the league has been an uphill battle. He made the initial roster in 2023 but tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended by the league for six games.
In 2024, Haener relieved Carr in Week 14 after the veteran fractured his hand. Ultimately, the 26-year-old quarterback was named the starter for the remainder of the season.
Spencer Rattler vs. Tyler Shough: Who Should Start for the Saints?
Saints head coach Kellen Moore has said that the selection process for the team’s next quarterback will be a “fair competition.” However, some feel that Shough gives the team the best odds of winning.
Rattler was selected by the Saints in the fifth round of the 2024 Draft and started six games during the season. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he displayed inconsistent performances.
According to PFSN’s QB+ metric, he earned an F. The Saints were plagued with injuries, which did not help him find success, making it hard to place all the blame on his shoulders.
Shough was a higher-round pick, second round in 2025, so many expect more from him. However, as a rookie, he is untested in the NFL. The franchise has said they expect him to develop into their franchise quarterback, but assumed he would have time to develop behind Carr.
It appears that Haener will return before the start of the season, but his injury will allow Shough and Rattler to make significant steps forward while he waits.