After two seasons of less than ideal results, the Derek Carr tenure with the New Orleans Saints came to an unceremonious end. A fractured hand and concussion ruled him out midway through the 2024 season.
However, a setback in his shoulder, courtesy of a labral tear and damage to his rotator cuff, ultimately led to Carr calling it quits. His retirement comes as a major blow to the entire Saints franchise, which had Carr as the starting quarterback on the roster. Speaking on the situation, head coach Kellen Moore addressed the media.
Kellen Moore on Derek Carr’s Retirement
Kellen Moore, in his first stint as an NFL head coach, is dealing with a rather troubling situation. An offensive coordinator for six seasons, Moore proved to be one of the best offensive minds in the entire league.
However, dealing with a quarterback room of Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and rookie Tyler Shough is a tough situation for any head coach, let alone a rookie. But before discussing the QB situation, Moore first addressed the Carr retirement in a media session.
“As we’ve gone through this whole offseason, Derek’s had to go through a lot just as you got through this process. Obviously, making the decision ultimately to retire from the National Football League after an 11-year career.”
Kellen Moore on Derek Carr's retirement: #Saints pic.twitter.com/nRbYHri5hL
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 10, 2025
Before moving further, he wanted to give credit where it was due. “First of all, we respect and appreciate so much what Derek’s done in this league, the way he’s done it, the on-the-field performance, the off-the-field person that he’s showcased and the impact he’s had on so many people in this profession is really, really special.”
Joining the team in his first stint in New Orleans, Moore made sure to mention, “Coming here, I’ve always had so much respect and appreciation for him.” Even though he just arrived on the scene, it was clear that Coach had already built up a rapport with his former quarterback.
“It was really good communication through the whole process, as far as navigating this. I think Derek, the people that are part of his life have communicated really well with the Saints. I think there’s been really good communication, so we feel like it was done in the right way.”
Carr ends his tenure with the Saints after two seasons, after initially joining the squad on a four-year contract worth $150 million, just after making his fourth Pro Bowl appearance for the Raiders. In his first season, he put up 3,878 yards and 25 touchdowns as New Orleans missed the playoffs.
Year Two was a little worse for wear, with the injury limiting him to just 10 games played on the season.
His retirement, though, leaves Moore in a precarious position. With the quarterback position to figure out and a superstar free agent in Aaron Rodgers still in the picture, the rookie head coach has to figure out the next steps for his team in short order.