Just when the New Orleans Saints thought they were gearing up for a typical offseason, everything changed with one announcement.
Longtime starting quarterback Derek Carr, who was expected to lead the team into another season, abruptly retired over the weekend—leaving the Saints scrambling to figure out who’s taking the reins.
Carr Walks Away After 11 Years, Cites Shoulder Concerns
Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler and veteran of 11 NFL seasons, officially called it quits on Saturday.
His decision wasn’t entirely out of the blue internally.
Earlier scans had revealed “significant degenerative changes” in his rotator cuff.
Although surgery was on the table, it wouldn’t have guaranteed a full recovery and would’ve sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
After discussing things with his wife Heather and consulting medical experts, Carr decided it was time.
In a heartfelt statement, Carr thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and fans, saying he was “forever grateful” for the journey.
The No. 36 pick in the 2014 draft walks away with over 41,000 passing yards and 257 touchdowns, though he made just one playoff appearance—back in 2021 with the Raiders.
Saints Turn to Rookie Trio in Open QB Competition
With Carr out of the picture, Saints head coach Kellen Moore is throwing open the door for a full-blown quarterback battle.
Three young guns—Tyler Shough, Jake Haener, and Spencer Rattler—are now in the running for the starting job, and Moore made it clear that nothing is set in stone.
“We’re going to let all three of these guys roll,” Moore told reporters.
“They’ve all earned these opportunities.” He added that he’s confident one of them will separate themselves by the start of preseason.
Rookie Standout Shough Impresses Early
Among the three contenders, rookie Tyler Shough may have a slight edge—at least in terms of draft status.
The Saints used the No. 40 overall pick this year to bring him in.
Shough, who played college ball at Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, reportedly turned heads during the team’s recent rookie minicamp.
Moore even called his showing “excellent.”
Shough represents the highest draft investment in this young QB trio, giving him a strong case to lead the pack heading into summer workouts.
Rattler and Haener Bring Some Experience
While Shough is fresh to the pros, both Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler already have some NFL snaps under their belts.
Haener was a fourth-round pick in 2023 and appeared in eight games last season—starting one.
He threw for 226 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Rattler, a fifth-round pick in 2024, got a bigger taste of action when Carr missed time last year.
He started six games, averaged just under 190 passing yards per contest, and tossed four touchdowns to five interceptions.
Neither player grabbed the job outright, but they both showed flashes.
Saints Head into a New Era Without Their Veteran Leader
Carr’s unexpected exit marks the end of an era for the Saints—and the beginning of what could be a new chapter under one of these young quarterbacks.
Whether it’s the draft pick in Shough, the poised Haener, or the seasoned-by-fire Rattler, New Orleans will have to make a choice sooner rather than later.
With training camp fast approaching, Kellen Moore and the coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on every throw, every rep, and every sign of leadership from the three contenders.
One of them will be the face of the Saints come September.