Derek Carr Calls It a Career

Derek Carr is putting his NFL career in the rearview mirror. The New Orleans Saints quarterback has announced his retirement after 11 impactful seasons in the league. The decision, both abrupt and surprising to many fans and analysts, stems from a shoulder injury that, according to insiders, would necessitate surgery.

"I have decided to retire from the National Football League," Carr shared in a heartfelt statement on Saturday. "For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this remarkable journey." Carr initially discovered the injury in late March while intensifying his preparations for the 2025 season. This marked his first substantial throwing session since he suffered a left-hand injury and concussion in early December. Since then, he had maintained communication with the Saints' medical staff, closely monitoring his recovery and evaluating his prospects moving forward.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Carr attempted to treat the injury with an injection and subsequent rehabilitation, but the methods failed to restore him to full strength. Surgery remained the only viable option, yet undergoing the procedure would effectively sideline him for the 2025 season, with no assurance of a full return to his previous level of play. Faced with these realities, Carr chose to step away rather than risk his long-term health and reputation.

A second-round pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2014, Carr quickly established himself as a starter from the outset. The Fresno State alumnus spent nine seasons with the Raiders franchise—first in Oakland, then in Las Vegas—before joining New Orleans. Over his career with the Raiders, Carr compiled a 63–79 record as a starter. He passed for an impressive 35,222 yards and 217 touchdowns while throwing 99 interceptions. His performance earned him four Pro Bowl selections and etched his name in the team’s record books.

Carr holds several Raiders franchise records, including most passing yards, highest completion percentage (64.6%), most passing touchdowns (217), best passer rating (91.8), and lowest interception percentage (2.0%), each reflecting a minimum of 1,500 pass attempts with the team. These milestones highlight not only his durability but also his efficiency and skill as a quarterback.

Notably, Carr was selected to the Pro Bowl in three of his first four seasons—a rare achievement that only 14 quarterbacks in NFL history have matched, according to NFL Research. His 2016 season particularly stands out, as he finished third in the Associated Press Most Valuable Player voting after leading the Raiders to a 12–3 record prior to an unfortunate broken leg that cut his season short. That year, Carr threw 28 touchdown passes against just six interceptions, demonstrating his command of the offense and ability to perform at an elite level.

As Derek Carr steps away from professional football, his legacy as a resilient and talented quarterback remains firmly intact. His remarkable career, marked by numerous commendable achievements, leaves a lasting impression on both the Raiders franchise and the NFL as a whole.