Derek Carr’s Retirement Shakes Up the NFL Landscape
Derek Carr’s sudden retirement from the National Football League has sent ripples throughout the league, leaving the New Orleans Saints scrambling and altering the landscape of the NFC South. While whispers of his potential departure had been circulating, the official announcement still carried a significant punch, especially considering the previously undisclosed physical challenges Carr was facing.
"Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr stated, acknowledging the support of his wife and expressing gratitude for his 11-year career. He extended his thanks to teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials, and fans for their unwavering support.
Carr’s departure, although potentially premature, has immediate and far-reaching consequences, particularly for the New Orleans Saints. The team now faces an unexpected quarterback conundrum, accelerating a potential rebuild that was already looming on the horizon.
The Saints’ Quarterback Quandary
The Saints’ recent second-round draft pick, a rookie quarterback, was initially seen as a potential successor to Carr, with the expectation of taking the reins in 2025. However, Carr’s retirement throws the quarterback competition wide open. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler, Shough is now the frontrunner to claim the starting role in the near future.
Shough, a 25-year-old entering the NFL after a lengthy college career marked by injuries, has the opportunity to seize the moment. His 12 starts for Louisville in 2024 showcased his potential. His intelligence, maturity, and strong arm could give him an edge in the competition, especially given the struggles Rattler and Haener have faced in their early NFL careers.
NFC South Power Shift
For years, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have dominated the NFC South, even winning a Super Bowl after the 2020 season and consistently finishing atop the division. However, the Saints’ quarterback instability presents an opportunity for rival teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers. These teams, led by promising young coaches and quarterbacks, now have a clearer path to competing for the division title or even securing a surprise NFC Wild Card berth in 2025. The Saints, averaging only 7.5 wins per season since Drew Brees’ retirement, are now facing a potentially arduous rebuilding phase.
The Arch Manning Factor
Speculation has already surrounded the future of Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. The University of Texas quarterback, despite limited experience, has garnered significant attention due to his family legacy. Carr’s retirement adds another layer to the Manning narrative. If the Saints struggle significantly in 2025, they could potentially secure the number one pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Imagine a scenario where Arch Manning has a stellar season at Texas, decides to enter the draft, and has the opportunity to return to his native New Orleans, reviving the team his grandfather, Archie Manning, once played for.
Loomis’s Legacy and the Saints’ Future
Even after Brees’ retirement and Sean Payton’s departure, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis has operated as if the team was just a few moves away from reclaiming its former glory. However, the Saints’ roster is now filled with aging veterans like Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, Tyrann Mathieu, Brandin Cooks, and Alvin Kamara. Loomis may now be forced to consider trading some of these players, potentially acquiring future draft capital and addressing the team’s salary cap issues.
Moore’s Daunting Task
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator, who recently earned a Super Bowl ring, now faces a significant challenge as the Saints’ head coach. Carr’s retirement sets a realistic expectation for Moore and the fan base. Even if the future holds promise in 2026 and beyond, Moore must navigate the potential short-term pain that comes with rebuilding. His most important task may be holding the team together amid the inevitable doubt and uncertainty.
Carr’s Legacy
Carr’s retirement is not the ending he envisioned for his career. The timing of his injury revelation before the draft raised questions about his motives. The Saints disclosed that Carr experienced shoulder pain, and medical scans revealed a labral tear and degenerative changes to his rotator cuff. Surgery was an option, but it would jeopardize the 2025 season, with no guarantee of a full recovery.
Carr, a second-round pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2014, played well despite being on struggling teams. He helped the franchise transition to Las Vegas. Carr retires as the owner of most of the Raiders’ significant passing records, although he only played in one playoff game. While his career was commendable, it undoubtedly ended under less-than-ideal circumstances.
