The Derek Carr injury was a shocker when it first happened. Recovering from a season-ending ailment in the 2024 season, Carr was expected to come back as the starter for the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 season. However, a setback in his shoulder ultimately proved to be too much.
In a shock announcement, the veteran quarterback announced his retirement from the sport in a sentimental statement. His status has now opened up a QB conundrum for the Saints. However, a former offensive lineman for the team believes the move was actually a net positive for New Orleans.
Was Derek Carr’s Retirement Good for the New Orleans Saints?
The obvious problem staring down the barrel for the Saints is their quarterback situation. Without Carr, the team has to choose between Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and rookie Tyler Shough as their starter for Week 1.
However, aside from that problem, NFL veteran Terron Armstead, who also retired this offseason, believes Carr did New Orleans a big favor. Spending the first nine seasons of his career with the franchise, he even made an All-Pro team and three Pro Bowls as a Saint.
“I know Derek Carr’s time with the Saints wasn’t very memorable and he’s not a fan favorite. But, him retiring is a HUGE favor and benefit for the Saints! He’s already under contract, and could’ve collected all of his salary this year while on IR! Instead he freed up 30 Million!”
I know Derek Carr’s time with the Saints wasn’t very memorable and he’s not a fan favorite
But, him retiring is a HUGE favor and benefit for the Saints! He’s already under contract, and could’ve collected all of his salary this year while on IR! Instead he freed up 30 Million!⚜️— T. Stead 🎤🎧 (@T_Armstead72) May 10, 2025
Over two years with the Saints, Carr put up solid numbers. However, they were nowhere near his highs with the Las Vegas Raiders that made him such a fan favorite in that city. Instead, New Orleans missed the playoffs both years that he was a part of the team.
Putting up 3,878 yards and 25 touchdowns in his first season, the aforementioned injury put him out midway through his second go-around. With the premium contract attached to his name, suffice it to say, fans weren’t fully onboard. The change in cap number should help matters tremendously, though.
For any franchise, a $30 million increase in cap space is a huge positive. But for a New Orleans Saints franchise that has repeatedly struggled with the cap, the number might be nothing short of a miracle.
It gives them plenty of breathing room and a chance to get their cap situation in order, especially with all three quarterbacks on the roster still on their rookie deals. Unless they go after a free agent like Aaron Rodgers, the Saints have a golden opportunity to rebuild the team in a single season immediately.