Saints Face Unexpected Quarterback Shift as Derek Carr Announces Retirement
The New Orleans Saints are entering a period of significant transition. With new head coach Kellen Moore settling in and preparing for his first offseason activities with the team, a major unexpected development has shaken up the franchise: quarterback Derek Carr has announced his retirement from the NFL. This decision, driven primarily by a lingering right shoulder injury, leaves a gaping hole at the most important position on the field and throws the Saints’ immediate future into uncertainty.
Carr, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, spent the last two seasons in New Orleans, brought in to provide stability and leadership to the offense. However, his tenure was ultimately hampered by inconsistent performance and, ultimately, this debilitating shoulder injury. The timing of his retirement, right at the start of the offseason program, adds another layer of complexity to the situation as Moore and the coaching staff now must quickly assess their options and develop a plan for the 2025 season and beyond.
The Saints organization confirmed Carr’s decision and the circumstances surrounding it in a statement released on the team’s website. According to the statement, Carr began experiencing pain in his right shoulder in late March. Subsequent medical evaluations revealed a labral tear and degenerative changes to his rotator cuff. While surgery was presented as a possible solution, the recovery period would have likely sidelined Carr for the entirety of the 2025 season, effectively ending his time with the Saints.
Faced with a lengthy rehabilitation process and the prospect of missing an entire season, Carr made the difficult decision to retire. "Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with (my wife) Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr stated. He expressed gratitude for his 11-year career, acknowledging the blessings and opportunities he and his family experienced.
Carr’s departure leaves the Saints with a significant question mark at quarterback. He was envisioned as the long-term answer under center, and his sudden retirement forces the team to reassess its plans. The Saints must now evaluate the quarterbacks currently on their roster and determine who will lead the offense in 2025.
Currently, the Saints have three other quarterbacks under contract, all of whom are on their rookie deals. These players represent a mix of potential and inexperience, and the upcoming offseason will be crucial in determining their readiness to take on the starting role.
The most intriguing name in the group is Shough, the Saints’ second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Selected at No. 40 overall out of Louisville, Shough is the only quarterback drafted under the guidance of new head coach Kellen Moore. This connection could give Shough an advantage as he learns the offensive system and builds a rapport with the coaching staff. Shough’s draft pedigree suggests that the Saints view him as a potential franchise quarterback. He possesses the physical tools and arm talent to be successful in the NFL. However, he is still a relatively raw prospect who needs time to develop his technique, decision-making, and overall understanding of the game.
The Saints also have Rattler, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Rattler had a rocky college career that saw him once touted as a potential number one overall pick to falling down draft boards. He started six games for the Saints last season, going winless in those starts. Rattler completed 57% of his passes for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also added 146 rushing yards on 18 carries. While Rattler’s performance was mixed, he gained valuable experience that could prove beneficial as he competes for the starting job. He demonstrated glimpses of potential, but he also struggled with consistency and turnovers.
The final quarterback on the Saints’ roster is Haener, a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Haener had one start for the Saints last season, filling in for an injured Carr. In that game, he completed just 4 of 10 passes for 49 yards and threw an interception in a narrow 20-19 loss to Washington. Rattler replaced him during the game. Haener has limited NFL experience, and he faces an uphill battle to win the starting job. He lacks the physical attributes of Shough and the experience of Rattler.
Given his draft position and the fact that he was handpicked by Kellen Moore, Shough appears to be the frontrunner to take over as the Saints’ starting quarterback. However, the Saints may opt to start Rattler at the beginning of the season while Shough continues to develop and learn the complexities of the NFL. This approach would allow Shough to ease into the starting role without the pressure of immediately carrying the team. It would also give the Saints a chance to evaluate Rattler’s progress and determine whether he can be a viable option for the future.
The Saints’ quarterback situation is now one of the most pressing storylines in the NFL. The team’s success in 2025 and beyond will largely depend on the development of their young quarterbacks and the ability of Kellen Moore to implement a system that maximizes their potential. The Saints face a challenging but also exciting opportunity to build a new era of success with a fresh face under center. The coming months will be critical as the team navigates this unexpected transition and determines the next chapter in their quarterback history. The Saints fanbase will be watching closely as the quarterback competition unfolds, hoping to see a clear path forward for their team. The pressure is on Kellen Moore and the coaching staff to make the right decisions and guide the Saints through this period of change.
