Why Derek Carr retired from NFL career with Saints, Raiders

Billy Heyen

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Why Derek Carr retired from NFL career with Saints, Raiders image

Derek Carr is appearing on ESPN2 Monday night as part of the ManningCast broadcast of Monday Night Football.

It's Carr's former Las Vegas Raiders taking on the Dallas Cowboys.

Carr began 2025 as a starting NFL quarterback, but by the spring, he was retired.

His career with the New Orleans Saints and the Raiders was cut short.

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Why did Derek Carr retire from NFL?

Derek Carr retired from the NFL because of a shoulder injury.

“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League," Carr wrote in May. "For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. 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.”

Carr was the 36th overall pick by the Raiders in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State.

He spent nine years with the Raiders, peaking with a 12-3 starting record in 2016 that included 28 touchdown passes and only six interceptions.

Carr joined the Saints before the 2023 season and had a 14-13 record as the New Orleans starter.

His total career stats in his 11 seasons:

  • 77-92 record
  • 41,245 passing yards
  • 65.1 percent completions
  • 257 touchdows
  • 112 interceptions

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo," Carr recently underwent multiple medical evaluations on his shoulder. Surgery was deemed the only route back to 100% and that would mean up to 6 months recovery. Carr retires rather than staying on IR all year."

There's been a little speculation about a Carr return, but thus far nothing substantial on that.

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Contributing Writer