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.

All Carr had to do this season was sit on the bench after surgery and collect $30 million. Instead, he opted for retirement.

Days after Derek Carr's retirement from the NFL became official, the former Saints quarterback opened up about why he decided not to stick around another season with the New Orleans Saints despite a shoulder injury. Carr, 34, left the team in the best way he felt possible af ter opting not to get surgery.