Saints QB depth chart: What Derek Carr's retirement means for New Orleans' starting quarterback situation

The Saints quarterback depth chart got a major shakeup on Saturday.

With four-time Pro Bowler and incumbent starter Derek Carr deciding to call it a career, New Orleans is left without much experience in the quarterback room.

The Saints drafted Tyler Shough out of Louisville in the second round of this year's draft, and they picked Spencer Rattler out of South Carolina last year. The latter made six starts last year after Carr was knocked out for the season with a fractured non-throwing hand.

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New Orleans is likely going to sign a quarterback before training camp opens in July, but for now, Rattler and Shough will be competing for the starting job.

Here's a look at the Saints' quarterback depth chart after Derek Carr's retirement.

Derek Carr retirement

Carr announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday morning after 11 seasons.

According to a statement released by the Saints, he experienced pain in his right shoulder in late March while ramping up his preparation for the 2025 season. Medical scans determined that Carr sustained a labral tear and that he also had significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff. Surgery was the best option to get back to 100 percent, jeopardizing his entire 2025 season. Rather than heading to the IR, Carr decided to retire.

“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with 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.”

Saints QB depth chart

The Saints are now left with little NFL experience on their quarterback depth chart. Tyler Shough, who was selected No. 40 overall in the 2025 draft, will compete for the starting job with second-year signal caller Spencer Rattler.

1. Tyler Shough

The Saints loved Shough's physical attributes and mental makeup, and they felt comfortable using a high draft pick on the 26-year-old QB. He battled through injuries through much of his college career, but he threw for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 12 games with Louisville last year.

2. Spencer Rattler

Rattler started six games last season after Carr went out for the season. He threw for 1317 yards and four touchdowns with five interceptions, leading the Saints to an 0-6 record in that span. Rattler is a former No. 1 overall high school recruit who was selected in the fifth round (No. 150) in 2024.

3. Jake Haener

Haener, drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, made eight appearances and one start last year. He threw for 226 yards, one TD, and one INT, completing just 46.2 percent of his passes. His lone start didn't last long, as he was quickly replaced by Rattler. The 26-year-old will theoretically get a chance to compete with Shough and Rattler for the starting job, but he's clearly No. 3 on the depth chart for now.

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