Tag: Derek Carr

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Saints QB Derek Carr retiring after 11 seasons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons due to a right shoulder injury.

The Saints said Saturday that Carr had a labral tear and degenerative rotator cuff damage to his right throwing shoulder.

Carr, 34, had been experiencing discomfort in his shoulder since sustaining a left hand injury during a game against the New York Giants on Dec. 8.

“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with (wife) Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” Carr said. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. 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.”

The Saints, in their statement, said Carr made the decision after consulting with medical experts.

“Surgery was an option, jeopardizing the entire 2025 season, yet there was no guarantee Derek would return to the level of strength, function and performance of play to which he was accustomed,” the team said.

The Saints selected quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft last month. They also have 2024 fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler and 2023 fourth-round selection Jake Haener on the roster.

Carr was 14-13 as the starter in New Orleans over two seasons, although he was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to injuries.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Carr has thrown for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions for the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2014-22) and Saints. He was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Saints QB Derek Carr confirms shoulder injury at church

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr confirmed Sunday that he is dealing with a shoulder injury during a talk he gave at the church he attends.

Carr, 34, was a guest speaker in a preaching and teaching series at Church LV in Las Vegas when he confirmed what Saints general manager Mickey Loomis told reporters last week.

He began by talking about what God is doing in his life.

“Yes, I have to say this,” Carr said. “I hate that I have to say this, but I have to say this. Yes, I have a shoulder injury, despite what ESPN says. And what some lady on a podcast might think, OK? I have an MRI report to prove it. The team knows about it. We’ve been in constant communication. There’s nothing wrong. We’re figuring it out, and we’re gonna go forward with that. Is that OK?

“And I’ve been dealing with this, and I’ve been dealing with people lying about me and I’ve been dealing with them saying this and this and that, and I’m like, ‘Lord, why do I have to continue to deal with this nonsense? Like, what is going on?’ And I said that to a preface with you never know what someone’s really going through.”

NFL Network broke the news earlier this month that Carr is currently dealing with a shoulder injury that could put his availability this fall in jeopardy. The outlet also reported that he is still weighing his options, including shoulder surgery.

Loomis last week said the team is hoping to gain further clarity about the severity of the injury.

The Saints last month restructured Carr’s contract to create $30.9 million in cap space.

The Saints drafted Tyler Shough in the second round on Friday night, making him the third quarterback selected. They also have Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener on the roster.

Carr is 14-13 as the starter in New Orleans over two seasons, though he was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to injuries.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Carr has thrown for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions for the Raiders (2014-22) and Saints.

–Field Level Media

Mar 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis looks on at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Saints GM: Derek Carr has shoulder injury, won’t address 2025 status

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The status of Saints quarterback Derek Carr remains a little uncertain, following New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis meeting with reporters on Wednesday.

Loomis confirmed that Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury, but also that the team is hoping to gain further clarity about the severity. He then shut down follow-up questions, saying, “I’m not going to answer any more questions about Derek.”

Reports broke earlier this month that Carr was dealing with a shoulder injury and mulling surgery, putting his availability for 2025 in question. The Saints had previously opted not to release or trade Carr this offseason, restructuring his contract instead.

Carr’s injury news has led to additional speculation that the Saints could add a quarterback to bolster the position, potentially through the NFL draft this weekend.

The Saints hold the rights to the No. 9 overall selection and have been connected to quarterback prospects Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss).

For his part, Loomis said the team’s draft strategy would be unaffected by Carr’s injury, saying the position was an important one for the team to do thorough research on regardless.

Still, when asked whether the Saints’ 2025 starter at the position is currently on the roster, Loomis immediately brushed aside that line of questioning.

“I’m not going to answer that right now because that will lead to a lot of speculation one way or the other.”

The Saints return Spencer Rattler, who started six games as a rookie last fall, as well as third-year veteran Jake Haener, who earned one start a season ago. Neither had a passer rating above 70.4. Rattler was sacked 22 times.

Adding to the bad news, Loomis also suggested that the team could be without reserve tight end/quarterback Taysom Hill for some time following the player’s serious knee injury (ACL tear) late last year.

Observers shouldn’t necessarily count on the Saints adding a quarterback early in the draft, however, as Loomis noted that he and head coach Kellen Moore are “aligned” on a commitment to building the offensive and defensive lines first.

Carr, 34, is 14-13 as the starter in New Orleans over two seasons, though he was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to injuries.

Carr has thrown for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions for the Raiders (2014-22) and Saints. He’s a four-time Pro Bowl selection, though not with the Saints, as he last made a Pro Bowl in 2022.

Loomis also announced that the Saints will be exercising the fifth-year option on wide receiver Chris Olave, but declining the option on offensive tackle Trevor Penning. That will extend Olave through 2026 at a salary of $15.49 million but allow Penning, who would be due $16.69 million, to depart at the end of this season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks the field before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Reports: Saints QB Derek Carr could miss 2025 with shoulder injury

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The New Orleans Saints’ star-crossed relationship with Derek Carr is gaining another chapter, as the quarterback is at risk of missing some or all of the 2025 NFL season, multiple outlets reported Friday.

NFL Network broke the news that Carr is currently dealing with a shoulder injury that could put his availability this fall in jeopardy. The outlet also reported that Carr is currently weighing different options, including shoulder surgery.

The Saints organization opted not to release or trade Carr this offseason, restructuring his contract instead. That led most observers to believe Carr would be under center for the Saints this fall.

Still, New Orleans, selecting ninth overall in this month’s NFL Draft, has been connected to multiple college quarterbacks, including Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, as options for that pick in recent weeks.

Carr, 34, is 14-13 as the starter in New Orleans over two seasons, though he was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to injuries. Carr sustained a left hand injury and a concussion in the fourth quarter of a Week 14 victory over the New York Giants.

The Saints were not surprised by the recent news regarding Carr’s shoulder, according to The Athletic. That would seem to run counter to previous public statements from general manager Mickey Loomis and new head coach Kellen Moore, who in February both expressed appreciation for having the quarterback around.

“I think we feel like we’ve got a guy we can win with,” Loomis said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Carr has thrown for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions for the Raiders (2014-22) and Saints. He’s a four-time Pro Bowl selection, though not with the Saints, as he last made a Pro Bowl in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after field after an injury during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Saints GM signals Derek Carr to remain QB1

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said Wednesday the team and new head coach Kellen Moore are “excited” about the prospects of Derek Carr as their starting quarterback in 2025.

Loomis made the remarks to reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

“I think we feel like we’ve got a guy we can win with,” Loomis said.

Moore was noncommittal about Carr as QB1 during his introductory press conference two weeks ago but had high praise for the 11-year veteran on Wednesday.

“We feel fortunate to have Derek here, the experience he has. He’s a big-time quarterback in this league,” Moore told reporters.

The Saints are expected to restructure Carr’s contract; he carries a $51.4 million cap hit in 2025.

Carr, 33, is 14-13 as the starter in New Orleans in the two seasons he’s been there, though he was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to injuries.

Carr has thrown for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions for the Raiders (2014-22) and Saints. He’s a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

–Field Level Media

Sep 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore looks on during warmups before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Kellen Moore set to call plays, cites leadership with Saints

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kellen Moore was non-committal on several topics during his introductory press conference as the new head coach of the New Orleans Saints on Thursday — save for one.

Moore said that he would be responsible for calling the team’s plays on offense. Perhaps that should come as no surprise since he left Dallas in 2023 when then-head coach Mike McCarthy took over the play calling.

As for his starting quarterback, roster decisions or the timing of naming his offensive and defensive coordinators, those answers will come at another time.

Moore likely is catching his breath after a whirlwind start to his week.

The then-offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles helped his team to a decisive 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday in New Orleans.

Two days later, the Saints hired the 36-year-old Moore as the youngest head coach in the NFL. He effectively replaced Dennis Allen, who was fired in November after a 2-7 start to the 2024 season.

On Thursday, Saints owner Gayle Benson informed Moore of just how committed she is to putting him in the best possible position toward getting him back on the league’s grandest stage.

“Kellen, you have my full commitment to doing whatever it takes to deliver another Lombardi Trophy to our city,” Benson said.

Benson also lauded Moore as “exceptionally bright, creative and a tremendous leader.” She added that Moore has “been a winner in every stage of his career.”

Moore addressed the elephant in the room on Thursday when asked about taking over a team with the worst salary cap situation in the NFL. The team is projected to be $54.1 million over the cap.

“Certainly, the opportunity to go through the interview process allows us to have those conversations,” Moore said. “The leadership here is tremendous. They’re the best in the business from the business side of this operation, and we feel very comfortable with where we’re going.”

Where Moore immediately is going is back to Philadelphia — well, for the championship parade on Friday. Moore said he’s all-in after that for the Saints.

Moore praised Derek Carr on multiple occasions but stopped short of naming the veteran as his starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

“Derek is a tremendous quarterback in this league,” Moore said. “I have had so much respect for him, the journey he’s been on. He’s a starter in this league. He’s a premier player in this league. He’s had a great journey.

“I’m really excited to team up with him and go through this process — just like any player on this roster. I just got here a few days ago, and I’m excited to go through this journey with all of them.”

Carr, 33, is scheduled to receive a $10 million roster bonus in March and $30 million for the upcoming season, per Spotrac. He reportedly is not willing to take a pay cut.

Moore also addressed the Saints’ need for offensive and defensive coordinators, saying that he wants to hire the right staff and do it the right way. He did not have a date by which he felt he needed to get that done.

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said he’s happy that Moore is in the fold after the comprehensive process.

“It took longer than we anticipated — simply because the Eagles kept winning,” Loomis said.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) attempts to leap over New York Giants cornerback Adoree' Jackson (21) and safety Dane Belton (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Report: Saints QB Derek Carr ‘very unlikely’ to return this season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is considered very unlikely to return this season because of multiple fractures in his left hand, NFL Network reported on Tuesday.

The report comes one day after New Orleans interim coach Darren Rizzi said Carr wouldn’t be ruled out for Week 16, which is a trip to play the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Carr also is not yet cleared from concussion protocol and didn’t play Sunday in a 20-19 loss to the Washington Commanders in which Spencer Rattler relieved Jake Haener and led four scoring drives in a near come-from-behind win.

The Saints (5-9) play Carr’s former team, the Las Vegas Raiders, on Dec. 29 in a Week 17 game in New Orleans and the 33-year-old quarterback is likely to be motivated to be on the field to face his previous employer.

Carr injured his non-throwing hand on Dec. 8 in a 14-11 win over the New York Giants. He was hurt attempting a head-first dive as a ballcarrier and used his left hand to brace his fall. Typical non-displaced fractures require at least four weeks to completely heal, but Carr could return with a soft cast if he gets the green light from team physicians. From the date of injury to kickoff in Green Bay is a span of 15 days.

Rizzi openly disagreed with a previous NFL Network report that Carr had suffered a “significant fracture” of his left hand. He said the day after the game in New York that “reports out there were a little bit false” on the extent of Carr’s injury.

Rizzi said Monday “it wouldn’t be a reach” for Carr to return to the field before the end of the season.

Carr suffered an oblique strain Oct. 7 in a Monday night loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and didn’t return until Nov. 3 at Carolina.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after field after an injury during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

QB Derek Carr officially ruled out for Sunday’s game by Saints

Posted on | by Field Level Media

On Saturday, the New Orleans Saints officially ruled quarterback Derek Carr out for Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders.

Carr, who sustained a left hand injury and was placed in concussion protocol following a hard landing after a run in the Saints’ 14-11 win against the New York Giants last Sunday, had not been expected to suit up for New Orleans for their home game against Washington, but his absence had yet to be made formal.

As reported by several outlets previously, he’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by second-year player Jake Haener, 25, who has seen limited time in his career to date with no career starts.

Earlier this season, Carr missed three games following an oblique injury. Faced with the choice between Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler, the Saints turned to the rookie. Rattler, 24, went 0-3 as a starter, completing 59.6 percent of his passes for 571 yards and a single touchdown, with two interceptions.

Like Rattler, all of Haener’s playing time has come this season. In spot duty, Haener has completed 48.3 percent of his throws for 177 yards and a touchdown.

Carr, 33, has completed 67.7 percent for 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns with five interceptions in 10 games this season, his second in New Orleans.

In other moves Saturday, the Saints activated defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon from the physically unable to perform list while placing linebacker D’Marco Jackson on injured reserve.

For Washington, Marshon Lattimore is slated to make his Commanders debut, against his former team, earning the start following the four-time Pro Bowl selection’s recovery from a hamstring injury.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener (3) sets to pass in the second half against the against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Reports: Saints QB Jake Haener to get first start

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The New Orleans Saints will give quarterback Jake Haener his first NFL start on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, according to multiple media reports on Thursday night.

Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi was choosing between second-year player Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler to replace starter Derek Carr, who has not practiced this week because of a fracture in his left (non-throwing) hand and also a concussion.

The two reserves have been sharing reps at practice, and Rizzi confirmed that they are competing to start for the host Saints (5-8) against the Commanders (8-5).

“They’re both guys that throw the ball well, they’re both similar size guys, athletic ability is very similar,” Rizzi said this week. “There’ll be some nuances in the game plan, depending on which guy starts, naturally. … But it’s not going to be this wholesale deal.”

The Saints selected Haener in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Fresno State. He did not appear in a game last season.

Haener, 25, has played as a reserve in seven games this season and is 14 of 29 (48.3 percent) for 177 yards and one touchdown.

Rattler, 24, started all three games that he has played this season in place of the injured Carr (oblique) and was 59 of 99 (59.6 percent) for 571 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. The Saints lost all three games.

New Orleans drafted Rattler in the fifth round this year out of South Carolina.

Carr, 33, was injured when he tried to leap for a first down late in the final quarter of a 14-11 road win against the New York Giants on Sunday. He was near the sideline and went airborne, landing hard on the left hand with his face then slamming into the turf as he landed out of bounds with 3:59 left in the game.

Carr completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Haener finished up the game for the Saints.

Overall, Carr has passed for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions this season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after field after an injury during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Saints QB Derek Carr (hand, concussion) week to week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr suffered an injury to his left hand and has also entered concussion protocol, according to interim coach Darren Rizzi.

Rizzi’s Monday news conference came shortly after NFL Network reported that Carr broke his left hand in Sunday’s win over the New York Giants and was expected to miss several weeks.

Rizzi disputed the report Carr has a “major fracture” and said surgery isn’t required. Because the injury is to Carr’s non-throwing hand, it’s feasible he could attempt to play if he clears concussion protocol.

Per NFL Network, the Saints aren’t putting Carr on injured reserve, leaving the door open for a potential return. The Saints have won three of their last four games, but at 5-8, their playoff chances are slim entering Week 15.

New Orleans hosts the Washington Commanders (8-5) on Sunday. Rizzi did not commit to either Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler as the starting quarterback if Carr can’t go.

Carr, who is right-handed, was injured when he tried to leap for a first down late in the final quarter of a 15-11 road win against the New York Giants. He was near the sideline and went airborne, landing hard on the left hand with this face then slamming into the turf as he landed out of bounds with 3:59 left in the game.

Carr completed 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Jake Haener finished up the game for the Saints.

Overall, Carr has passed for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He missed three games earlier this season due to an oblique injury.

–Field Level Media