After a polarizing career filled with many highs and lows, all-time passing leader for the Las Vegas Raiders, Derek Carr, is hanging it up.
On May 10, 2025, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr declared his NFL retirement. That effectively ends an 11-season career defined by grit and leadership. After learning that he had a labral tear and significant rotator cuff damage in his right shoulder, which would have required surgery and could have sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, the 34-year-old made his decision.
The Raiders all-time passing leader, Derek Carr, has retired. pic.twitter.com/cizO9TpF2x
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) May 10, 2025
A polarizing era in Raiders football
Starting his career with the Oakland Raiders in 2014, Carr rapidly became a pillar of the team. With the Raiders throughout nine seasons, he became the all-time leader in completions, passing touchdowns, and passing yards. He also made four Pro Bowl appearances. Carr signed a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints in 2023, hoping to provide experienced steadiness to New Orleans.
Despite his promising start, Carr’s time with the Saints was hampered by injuries. Even battling a damaged AC joint, two concussions, and shattered ribs, he managed to start all 17 games in the 2023 season. He accumulated 3,878 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. An oblique injury, a late-season concussion, and a fractured left hand restricted his effectiveness to 10 games the next year. His tally that season resulted in 2,145 passing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Carr’s retirement decision was influenced by personal reflection and discussions with his wife, Heather. In a heartfelt statement, he expressed gratitude for the support from teammates, coaches, and fans throughout his career.
“We are forever grateful and humbled by this experience.”
Though Carr maintains a $10 million roster bonus earned in March, financially, his retirement gives the Saints almost $30 million in salary cap savings. Looking ahead, Carr is moving into a new business as a major investor and brand ambassador for Frönen. The latter is a frozen dessert firm with a health consciousness fit for his family’s ideals.
The Derek Carr Era ends with a whimper in New Orleans
Turning to freshly selected quarterbacks Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener to fight for the starting spot, the Saints will negotiate the post-Carr era. Carr’s leaving closes a major NFL chapter and leaves behind a legacy of tenacity and effort.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Matt York