Derek Carr walks away from $30 million in guaranteed salary as he announces retirement from the New Orleans Saints due to a degenerative shoulder injury.
At a Glance
- Derek Carr retired at age 34, forfeiting a guaranteed $30 million salary for 2025
- Carr’s decision follows a December shoulder injury that proved more serious than initially understood
- The Saints will not seek to recover any portion of Carr’s $28.5 million signing bonus from his 2023 contract
- The team now faces significant salary cap implications with dead charges of $13.2 million in 2025 and $35.6 million in 2026
- New Orleans’ quarterback room now features three inexperienced QBs with a combined 0-7 NFL start record
A $30 Million Decision
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr made the difficult choice to retire from the NFL, walking away from a guaranteed $30 million salary for the 2025 season. The 34-year-old signal caller will retain the $10 million roster bonus he received in March when the Saints restructured his contract. This restructuring proved crucial in facilitating the agreement that allowed Carr to retire on his own terms while providing New Orleans with much-needed salary cap relief as they plan for their future.
The financial implications of Carr’s retirement extend beyond his personal earnings. According to reports, the Saints organization has agreed not to pursue recovery of any portion of the $28.5 million signing bonus from the four-year, $150 million contract Carr signed in 2023. While this decision reflects a respectful approach to Carr’s situation, it does mean the team will absorb significant dead salary-cap charges – $13.2 million in 2025 and a substantial $35.6 million in 2026.
Health Concerns Force Career End
Carr’s retirement stems from a degenerative shoulder condition that became increasingly problematic after suffering a concussion and left-hand injury that prematurely ended his 2024 season. Medical evaluations in March revealed the full extent of his shoulder issues, which were more severe than initially understood. Carr could have chosen to undergo shoulder surgery and remain on injured reserve, potentially collecting the $30 million guaranteed for 2025, but instead opted for retirement.
“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather [his wife], I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League” – Derek Carr.
In his retirement announcement, Carr referenced personal circumstances that influenced his decision, including his wife Heather’s recent miscarriage. This family tragedy, combined with his physical limitations, prompted a reassessment of priorities for the veteran quarterback who spent nine seasons with the Raiders organization before joining the Saints in 2023. By the conclusion of the 2024 season, Carr had become the 16th highest-paid player in NFL history, with career earnings surpassing $195 million.
Saints’ Quarterback Dilemma
With Carr’s departure, the Saints face significant uncertainty at the quarterback position. Their current roster features Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and rookie Tyler Shough – a trio with a combined 0-7 record in NFL starts. This inexperienced quarterback room presents a major challenge for head coach Dennis Allen and the Saints organization as they navigate the upcoming season. The team must now consider potential free agent signings or trades to secure a more experienced leader for their offense.
“It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.” – Derek Carr.
Carr’s retirement represents what NFL Network and Pro Football Talk described as a “trade” between the quarterback and the Saints. The organization benefitted from salary cap relief while Carr maintained control over the conclusion of his 11-year NFL career rather than facing a potential release. This mutually beneficial arrangement demonstrates the respect between the player and organization, even as both parties now face new challenges moving forward.
