Did Derek Carr want to split from the Saints before his shocking retirement announcement earlier this month?
That’s a theory being floated in a new ESPN report published Friday, which alleged the 34-year-old quarterback “was open to playing for a new team,” with whispers of the matter percolating around free agency in March.
“A Carr representative spoke with at least two teams in the market for a quarterback about potential interest in the veteran,” ESPN reported, with a Saints source pointing out the former second-round pick did not receive written clearance to speak to other organizations.
With the coaches he formed friendships with gone from the organization, including offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and quarterbacks Andrew Janocko, Carr was set to be in the hands of new head coach Kellen Moore.
Another “potential source of friction” called out by ESPN was the Saints’ intention to restructure Carr’s contract. Prior to stepping away from the game, Carr was entering the third year of his four-year, $150 million deal.
This season marked the final one on Carr’s deal that offered guaranteed money, setting the stage for a potential breakup in 2026.
However, “nowhere in the talk of an impending split,” let alone “conversations Carr’s camp had with other teams” did ” discussion of a potentially career-ending injury” arise, per ESPN.
In the weeks before the 2025 NFL Draft, news dropped that Carr was grappling with a shoulder injury that put his availability for the upcoming season in flux.
The Saints drafted Louisville QB Tyler Shough in the second round.
Weeks later, Carr called it a career after 11 NFL seasons in lieu of undergoing surgery.
“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 said in a statement.
He left $30 million on the table by retiring, and in return, gets to keep the $10 million roster bonus he was paid in March.
Carr spent the first nine years of his career with the Raiders before playing in New Orleans for the past two.
He accumulated 2,145 pᴀssing yards and 15 touchdowns with just five interceptions and an excellent 101 quarterback rating in 10 games last season before going down with a shoulder injury.
Over his career, Carr threw for 41,245 yards, 257 touchdowns and 112 interceptions in 169 appearances.
