Kellen Moore and the Mystery of Derek Carr’s Retirement: An In-Depth Analysis
The new head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Kellen Moore, faced a series of unexpected questions in his press conference. The reason: the surprising retirement of quarterback Derek Carr, a player Moore had never coached or met in person before taking the job. The news took everyone by surprise, including Moore himself.
The team announced Carr’s retirement just three hours before the conference, explaining that the player had experienced pain in his throwing shoulder after his first significant throwing session of the preseason. Scans revealed a tear of the right labrum and significant degenerative changes in the rotator cuff.
The joint statement from the team and Carr on May 10th left many questions unanswered. Moore had to answer 23 questions on the subject, but avoided giving direct answers. He praised Carr and spoke about the “process” without offering concrete details. Carr’s lack of statements since his retirement only fueled speculation and intrigue within and outside the Saints organization.
Derek Carr threw 40 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in two seasons with the Saints.
Before free agency in March, rumors indicated that Carr, who was in the third year of a four-year, $150 million contract signed in 2023, was open to playing for another team. Representatives of Carr contacted at least two teams in search of a quarterback, although the conversations did not reach a serious point. A Saints source stated that written permission was not given for Carr to speak with other teams.
The reasons behind Carr’s possible departure are a matter of speculation. A team source suggested that Carr had a good relationship with the offensive coaches from the previous season and expected them to return. In addition, the Saints’ plan to restructure Carr’s contract may have been another source of tension. Overall, the perception was that the relationship between the Saints and Carr was not the best.
In his introductory press conference, Moore did not commit to naming Carr as the starter, although he praised him. An AFC executive believes Moore intended to count on Carr, at least for 2025. However, the Saints seemed to be heading towards an uncertain situation at the quarterback position, as the 2025 season was the last with guaranteed money in Carr’s contract.
The challenge intensified for Saints coach Kellen Moore following Carr’s retirement.
During the offseason, Moore received “mixed signals” about Carr’s plans, according to multiple sources. Carr’s absence from voluntary workouts was notable. Carr revealed during a sermon in April that he and his wife, Heather, had planned to travel to New Orleans, but Heather suffered a health issue and a miscarriage. Team sources did not recall seeing Carr at the facilities during the offseason and communication with his teammates was minimal.
Despite the possibility of a separation, there were no indications of a career-ending injury. Carr’s injuries were a recurring theme in the disappointing 2024 Saints season, including an oblique injury and a hand injury that sidelined him. The team did not win any games after Carr injured his hand and did not return to play.
Derek Carr suffered an injury to his non-throwing hand in the December 8 victory over the New York Giants.
Questions about the injury that prompted Carr’s retirement persist among some Saints members. Although Carr played with injuries throughout his career, the exact date of the labrum injury and the moment Carr reported the pain to the Saints are unclear.
In summary, the situation surrounding Derek Carr’s retirement remains shrouded in mystery, with many unanswered questions and an uncertain future for the New Orleans Saints.
