Derek Carr Retires Due to Shoulder Injury
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement due to a serious shoulder injury. The team revealed that Carr, who is 34 years old, is facing a labral tear and other significant issues with his rotator cuff.
Carr spent 11 seasons in the NFL after being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2014. He joined the Saints in 2023 but had a challenging season, posting a 14-13 record as a starter while dealing with various injuries that caused him to miss seven games.
After experiencing unexpected pain in his throwing shoulder during offseason training, doctors diagnosed him and discussed potential surgery. However, concerns about whether he could return to his previous level of play led to his decision to retire.
Carr did not publicly discuss his injury until shortly after the NFL draft this past April, where he faced criticism for the timing of his announcement. In a recent public appearance, he addressed his struggles and expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans.
With Carr retiring, the Saints will look to young quarterbacks like Tyler Shough, who was recently drafted, to potentially step into the starting role. Shough expressed excitement about the opportunity to showcase his skills in the upcoming season.
Coach Kellen Moore mentioned that Carr’s retirement opens the door for younger players to gain valuable experience. The team will also consider acquiring an experienced quarterback if the right opportunity arises.
As one of the notable quarterbacks who took unconventional paths to starting roles, Carr’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of NFL careers.
