To deal with a significant shoulder injury, surgery was considered an option, as was trying to play through it, but former Saints quarterback Derek Carr says he ultimately didn't feel right with either possibility.

Carr was set to earn $30 million in 2025 and had two years remaining on the four-year, $150 million deal he signed in 2023. He will take home a $10 million roster bonus. Since joining the league as a second-round pick in 2024, Carr accumulated under $196 million in career earnings.

Derek Carr retired during the 2025 NFL offseason because of a shoulder injury. He believes it was the right move despite leaving money on the table.