Saints’ QB Landscape Shifts Dramatically After Carr’s Retirement
New Orleans — Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement due to a shoulder injury has thrust rookie Tyler Shough into the spotlight, accelerating his path to potentially becoming the Saints’ starting quarterback.
Shough Now a Front-Runner in Saints’ Quarterback Competition
Carr, 34, announced his retirement Saturday, citing a labral tear and significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff. This sudden departure dramatically alters the Saints’ quarterback situation, positioning Shough to compete for the starting role alongside Spencer Rattler and Jack Haener.

Carr Expresses Gratitude in Retirement Statement
“For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience,” Carr said in a statement. “It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
Saints’ Draft Strategy Now in Focus
The Saints selected Shough from Louisville with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He became the third quarterback chosen after Cam Ward (No. 1 to the Titans) and Jaxson Dart (no. 25 to the Giants). The team’s decision to invest in a quarterback early in the draft now appears prescient given Carr’s sudden exit.
Open Competition Expected Under Coach Moore
Saints head coach Kellen Moore emphasized that all three quarterbacks will have a chance to prove themselves. “We certainly felt like adding a quarterback to that room would’ve been valuable under all circumstances,” Moore said Saturday. “We’re going to let all three of these guys roll, and they’ve all earned these opportunities.”
Moore added, “We’ll let Jake, Spencer and Tyler, all three, go through this process. Again,we’ll play patience,let these guys compete,let them get into training camp and naturally [the competition will] take care of itself.”
Shough’s College Performance and Readiness for the NFL
Shough’s performance at Louisville last season included 3,195 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also gained experience at Oregon and Texas Tech. Shough acknowledged learning about Carr’s retirement earlier Saturday.
Derek Carr Announces Retirement From NFL After 11 Seasons
Derek Carr, the veteran quarterback who played 11 seasons in the NFL, announced his retirement saturday. Carr spent the 2023 season with the New Orleans Saints after a nine-year tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, who drafted him in 2014.
Carr’s Career Highlights and Impact
Carr leaves the game having solidified his place as a respected player. A four-time Pro Bowler, he holds the Raiders’ franchise records for passing yards (35,222) and passing touchdowns (217). During his time in Las Vegas, he was viewed as a hopeful to revitalize the franchise, leading them to a 12-4 record in 2016, which ended prematurely due to injury.
Short Saints Tenure and Future Plans
After joining the Saints in 2023, Carr aimed to bring stability to their quarterback position.while his time in New Orleans was brief, his presence provided veteran leadership.
Saints QB Derek Carr Aims for Advancement After 2024 Struggles
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is persistent to elevate his performance in the upcoming 2025 season after acknowledging shortcomings in his first year with the team. Carr, entering the second year of his four-year contract, is focused on better execution and on-field leadership to deliver improved results for the Saints.
Carr Acknowledges Need for Better Performance
Carr openly admitted that his performance in 2024 fell short of expectations. Despite having a full season to integrate into the Saints’ system, he emphasized the need to translate potential into tangible success on the field.
Focusing on Execution and Leadership
the quarterback is prioritizing enhanced execution of plays and stronger leadership within the team. By taking greater command, Carr aims to guide the Saints’ offense more effectively and contribute to a winning culture.
Looking Ahead to 2025 Season
With a year of experience under his belt, carr is optimistic about the 2025 season. He believes that a sharpened focus on key areas will lead to a significant improvement in his and the team’s overall performance.
Derek Carr Announces Unexpected Retirement from NFL
Published: May 4, 2025
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has announced his retirement from the National football League, bringing an abrupt end to his career.
Carr Cites desire to Elevate Quarterback room as Reason for Retirement
In a statement released Saturday, Carr emphasized his commitment to growth and improvement, stating, “I think that’s all you can ask for is an opportunity at any position, and I’m going to treat it the same way, as if, whoever was on the roster, I’ve got to continue to grow and get better and do my best to elevate the quarterback room.”

Saints QB Competition: Carr Expected to Start, Rattler and Haener Battle for Backup
METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints quarterback situation is taking shape as training camp progresses.While veteran Derek Carr is firmly entrenched as the starter, a compelling battle is brewing between second-year quarterback Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler for the backup role.
derek Carr Primed for Starting Role
Head coach Dennis Allen has made it clear that Carr is the Saints’ unquestioned QB1. Carr’s experience and leadership are expected to be key assets for the team’s offense this season. The team is looking for Carr to lead them to a highly anticipated playoff run.
Haener and Rattler Compete for QB2 Spot
The focus now shifts to the competition for the backup position. Jake Haener, a fourth-round pick in 2023, and Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, are vying for the role. Both quarterbacks are getting opportunities to showcase their skills during training camp.
Shough Added to Quarterback Roster
The Saints have signed quarterback K.J. Shough. Details of Shough’s contract were not instantly available.
Rattler’s 2023 Performances
Rattler started six games for the Saints last season when Carr was injured, all of which resulted in losses. He threw four touchdown passes but also had five interceptions during that period. Haener also had one start last season.
Here are two PAA (Potential Actionable Analysis) related questions based on the provided text:
Saints’ QB Landscape Shifts Dramatically After Carr’s Retirement
new Orleans — Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement due to a shoulder injury has thrust rookie Tyler Shough into the spotlight, accelerating his path to possibly becoming the Saints’ starting quarterback.
Shough Now a front-Runner in saints’ Quarterback Competition
Carr, 34, announced his retirement Saturday, citing a labral tear and notable degenerative changes to his rotator cuff. This sudden departure dramatically alters the Saints’ quarterback situation, positioning Shough to compete for the starting role alongside Spencer Rattler and Jack Haener.
Carr Expresses Gratitude in Retirement Statement
“For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience,” Carr said in a statement.”It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
saints’ Draft Strategy Now in Focus
The Saints selected Shough from Louisville with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He became the third quarterback chosen after Cam Ward (No. 1 to the Titans) and Jaxson Dart (no. 25 to the Giants).The team’s decision to invest in a quarterback early in the draft now appears prescient given Carr’s sudden exit.
Open Competition Expected Under Coach Moore
Saints head coach Kellen Moore emphasized that all three quarterbacks will have a chance to prove themselves. “We certainly felt like adding a quarterback to that room would’ve been valuable under all circumstances,” Moore said Saturday. ”We’re going to let all three of these guys roll, and they’ve all earned these opportunities.”
Moore added, ”We’ll let Jake, Spencer and Tyler, all three, go thru this process.Again, we’ll play patience, let these guys compete, let them get into training camp and naturally [the competition will] take care of itself.”
Shough’s College Performance and Readiness for the NFL
Shough’s performance at Louisville last season included 3,195 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also gained experience at Oregon and Texas Tech. shough acknowledged learning about carr’s retirement earlier saturday.
Derek Carr Announces Retirement From NFL After 11 Seasons
Derek Carr, the veteran quarterback who played 11 seasons in the NFL, announced his retirement saturday. Carr spent the 2023 season with the New Orleans Saints after a nine-year tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, who drafted him in 2014.
Carr’s Career Highlights and Impact
Carr leaves the game having solidified his place as a respected player. A four-time Pro Bowler, he holds the Raiders’ franchise records for passing yards (35,222) and passing touchdowns (217). During his time in Las Vegas,he was viewed as a hopeful to revitalize the franchise,leading them to a 12-4 record in 2016,which ended prematurely due to injury.
Short Saints Tenure and Future Plans
After joining the Saints in 2023, Carr aimed to bring stability to their quarterback position.while his time in New Orleans was brief,his presence provided veteran leadership.
Saints QB derek Carr Aims for Advancement after 2024 Struggles
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is persistent to elevate his performance in the upcoming 2025 season after acknowledging shortcomings in his first year with the team. Carr, entering the second year of his four-year contract, is focused on better execution and on-field leadership to deliver improved results for the Saints.
Carr Acknowledges Need for Better Performance
Carr openly admitted that his performance in 2024 fell short of expectations. Despite having a full season to integrate into the Saints’ system, he emphasized the need to translate potential into tangible success on the field.
Focusing on Execution and Leadership
the quarterback is prioritizing enhanced execution of plays and stronger leadership within the team. By taking greater command, Carr aims to guide the Saints’ offense more effectively and contribute to a winning culture.
looking Ahead to 2025 Season
With a year of experience under his belt, carr is optimistic about the 2025 season. He believes that a sharpened focus on key areas will lead to a significant improvement in his and the team’s overall performance.
derek Carr Announces Unexpected Retirement from NFL
Published: May 4, 2025
New Orleans Saints quarterback derek Carr has announced his retirement from the National football League, bringing an abrupt end to his career.
Carr Cites desire to Elevate Quarterback room as Reason for Retirement
In a statement released Saturday, Carr emphasized his commitment to growth and improvement, stating, “I think that’s all you can ask for is an opportunity at any position, and I’m going to treat it the same way, as if, whoever was on the roster, I’ve got to continue to grow and get better and do my best to elevate the quarterback room.”
Saints QB Competition: Carr Expected to Start, Rattler and Haener Battle for Backup
METAIRIE, La.– The New Orleans Saints quarterback situation is taking shape as training camp progresses.While veteran Derek Carr is firmly entrenched as the starter, a compelling battle is brewing between second-year quarterback Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler for the backup role.
derek Carr Primed for Starting Role
Head coach Dennis Allen has made it clear that Carr is the Saints’ unquestioned QB1. Carr’s experience and leadership are expected to be key assets for the team’s offense this season. The team is looking for Carr to lead them to a highly anticipated playoff run.
Haener and Rattler Compete for QB2 Spot
The focus now shifts to the competition for the backup position. Jake Haener, a fourth-round pick in 2023, and Spencer Rattler, a fifth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, are vying for the role. Both quarterbacks are getting opportunities to showcase their skills during training camp.
shough Added to Quarterback Roster
The Saints have signed quarterback K.J. Shough. Details of Shough’s contract were not instantly available.
Rattler’s 2023 Performances
Rattler started six games for the Saints last season when Carr was injured,all of which resulted in losses. He threw four touchdown passes but also had five interceptions during that period. Haener also had one start last season.
Q&A: Saints’ Quarterback Carousel
What led to Derek Carr’s sudden retirement?
Derek Carr announced his retirement due to a labral tear and significant degenerative changes in his rotator cuff. This injury cut short his tenure with the Saints, where he played only the 2023 season.
Who are the leading contenders for the Saints’ starting quarterback position now?
With Carr’s exit, the race is now between rookie Tyler Shough, who the Saints drafted in 2025, and returnees Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Coach Kellen Moore has indicated all three will have a chance to compete for the starting role in training camp.
What was Tyler Shough’s college performance like?
Tyler Shough had a strong season at Louisville in 2024, throwing for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. He also has experience playing at Oregon and Texas tech.
What impact did Carr have on the Raiders?
Before joining the Saints, Carr spent nine seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he left as the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards (35,222) and touchdowns (217).He was a four-time Pro Bowler.
What is the Saints’ draft strategy after Carr’s retirement?
The Saints’ decision to draft Tyler Shough with the No. 40 overall pick in 2025 looks especially astute given Carr’s unexpected departure. The team now has a new frontrunner to compete for the starting QB position.
With Carr’s sudden retirement, the Saints’ quarterback situation is in flux, and the competition between Shough, Rattler, and Haener at training camp makes this a storyline to watch closely.