Derek Carr retires from the NFL, leaving $30 million on the table, emphasizing his commitment to integrity over financial gain.
Derek Carr, the 34-year-old quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, has announced his retirement from the NFL, choosing to forgo $30 million in guaranteed salary.
Carr’s decision stems from a significant shoulder injury that would have sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
“I wouldn’t have been able to play if I had the surgery,” Carr explained.
“And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn’t near 100%, and so that doesn’t help them, either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team.”
Carr emphasized that his decision was not financially motivated.
“I never played just for the money,” he said. “I had a whole bunch of people tell me how crazy I was, and, ‘Man, I would never have done that.’
“That’s all cool, but I’ve gained all these things that the world has to offer, and it doesn’t really do anything for your heart.
“I knew my heart was at peace, and that’s really all that mattered.”
Over his 11-season NFL career—nine with the Raiders and two with the Saints—Carr amassed 41,245 passing yards and 257 touchdowns.
Carr’s retirement not only reflects his personal values but also provides the Saints with significant salary cap relief.
The team will save $30 million in guaranteed salary, although Carr retains a $10 million roster bonus received in March.
As Carr steps away from professional football, he looks forward to spending more time with his family and exploring new ventures.
“My agent literally texted me a few days ago and he said, ‘Hey, just checking in. How’s everything? You still feel comfortable with the decision?’ And I sent him a picture of me on the beach with my two kids playing. And I said, ‘This beats an OTA any day.’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I thought so.’
