Ex-Saints QB Derek Carr explains why he retired and reduces $ 30 million guaranteed money

Last month, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr made the decision to Achter after 11 seasons in the NFLAnd he still has faith in the decision. The 34-year-old has to deal with a shoulder injury that required surgery that would take him for the 2025 season.

If Carr stayed in the competition, he would be stuck on the sidelines, something he didn’t want to do. Money would be the reason that some players stayed, but for Carr it was the opposite.

“That part was difficult because I didn’t want to undergo surgery and just wanted to sit there and – it sounds crazy, but – just take the money from the saints,” Carr said to Front Office sports.

Carr would earn $ 30 million in 2025 and had two years in the four -year -old deal of $ 150 million that he had signed in 2023. He will take a $ 10 million grid bonus home. Since he joined the competition as a pick in the second round in 2024, Carr under $ 196 million gathered in career income.

Although it would have been a nice salary, the intention behind his decision to leave was more valuable for him than any money value, he told Front Office Sports.

“I never played for the money alone. I had a lot of people who tell me how crazy I was, and” Man, I would never have done that. ” That is all cool, but I have had all these things that the world has to offer, and it is not really something for your heart.

Carr wanted to make the move that would benefit both parties, and acknowledged that he would not have played at the level that was necessary if he decided to refrain from the operation. He said he wasn’t almost 100% healthy, so it was “right” to get away. Carr said he had no second thoughts and discovers that his new daily day is better than the alternative.

“My agent literally sent me an SMS a few days ago and he said,” Hey, just check in. How’s everything is going? You still feel comfortable with the decision? ” And I sent him a picture of me on the beach with my two children and he said, “I explained,” so I am great and enjoyed being home. “

While Carr said he is considering a potential career in sports media, The saints go into the season with an unproven quarterback room This includes Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and the 25-year-old Rookie Tyler Shegh. Rattler went 0-6 as a starter last season and Haener went 0-1. The Track Record of the Team Without Carr does not give much immediately hopeBut new coach Kellen Moore has expressed confidence in his group.