Derek Carr’s Retirement: A New Era Begins for the New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr’s Retirement: A New Era Begins for
the New Orleans Saints

In a surprising turn of events, New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr
announced his retirement from the NFL at age 34, suffering a torn labrum and
significant degenerative changes in his right shoulder. This decision concludes an
11-year career after being drafted by the then Oakland Raiders in the second round
of the 2014 draft, a career that saw Carr amass over 41,000 passing yards and 257
touchdowns.

Carr’s Legacy in New Orleans

Derek Carr joined the Saints in 2023, signing a 4 year $150 million contract, aiming
to be a stability to the saints quarterback position. Over his two year tenure with the
Saints, he led the team to a 14-13 record when starting. However, injuries plagued
his time, suffering continuous shoulder injuries that ultimately led to his retirement. In
a heartfelt statement, Carr expressed gratitude to the Saints organisation and fans
saying “Thank you for riding with me through the highs, the lows, the injuries, the
comebacks, the records and the Pro Bowls.”
But with all this being said, what happens now for the New Orleans Saints?

The Saints Quarterback Conundrum

With Derek Carr’s departure, the saints are left with no obvious answer for who will
go under center in the 25/26 season. Saints head coach Kellen Moore had indicated
that the team will evaluate its current roster, which includes rookie Tyler Shough, 2 nd
year QB Spencer Rattler and 3 rd year QB Jake Haener, but who is the best choice?
Let’s break It down

 

Tyler Shough: The Rookie with something to prove

Tyler Shough was selected 40 th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and while he wasn’t the
most hyped quarterbacks, he brings an intriguing mix of size (6’5”), arm strength and
resilience. Shough had a winding college career, starting at Oregon, transferring to
Texas Tech and finishing at Louisville, a journey that molded him into a tough leader
with a diverse background. Though his college career was inconsistent due to
injuries and system changes, his pro ready frame caught the saints eye. With Carr’s
sudden exit, Shough is now definitely in the spotlight and is seen as the most gifted
of the trio. Early reports from rookie camp suggest he is picking up the playbook
quickly and flashing some solid downfield accuracy

 

Spencer Rattler: High-Ceiling, Low Floor Wildcard

Once project to be a top pick in college, Spencer’s path to the NFL has been hectic.
After losing his starting job at Oklahoma to Caleb Williams, Rattler transferred to
South Carolina where he rebuilt his draft stock with some moments of brilliance,
though inconsistencies haunted him. Drafted in 2024 in the fifth round, Rattler saw
some playing time last season due to Carr’s ongoing shoulder issues, during this
time Rattler started six games but failed to secure a win in any. His arm talent is
undeniable and he can make throws that few others can replicate but his decision
making and abilities under pressure remain big question marks. If he can put it all
together Rattler could surprise a lot of people, but right now he is viewed as a
developmental option or a high risk backup rather than the franchise centerpiece

 

Jake Haener: The Steady Hand

Jake Haener, a fourth rounder from the 2023 draft out of Fresno State, is the most
familiar name in the Saints’ quarterback room. While he hasn’t seen much playtime,
he has impressed coaches with his IQ, preparation and leadership. However, Haener
lacks elite physical traits, he has an average arm and doesn’t bring much with his
mobility. He is often compared to a Chase Daniel type, a reliable clipboard holder
who can manage a game if called upon. That said, his ceiling is limited and unless
he shows a dramatic leap in camp and preseason he will likely remain a solid
number 2 option or emergency starter.

The Bottom Line

With all three of these quarterbacks vying for the top spot and no clear front runner in
the bunch, Head Coach Kellen Moore has a challenging time ahead with his

selection. Tyler Shough may be the most solid bet for the future leaving Spencer
Rattler as the unpredictable wildcard and Jake Haener as the uninspiring option. The
Saints may look to bring in a veteran to provide insurance but as it stands the Saints
look to be handing the keys to its offense to one of these young, unproven passers.
Training camp will be crucial, and whoever seizes the moment may shape the Saints
direction for years to come

Who do you think should be QB1 in the Big Easy, and why? 

 

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