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The Saints underwent a series of changes during the offseason, securing a new head coach and taking a slew of promising talents in the NFL Draft.
On Saturday, they encountered another, as veteran quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL effective immediately, spelling an end to a productive 11-year career.
Carr's retirement proved a shock to many. The 34-year-old signal-caller was two years into a four-year, $150 million deal. He struggled with injuries mightily in his final season, suffering an oblique issue, fractured hand, and concussion across 10 appearances.
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Still, his final line wasn't too shabby — Carr completed 67.7 percent of his passes and tallied 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns to just five interceptions. Regardless, the persistent pain that swept throughout his throwing shoulder was too much to overcome.
Carr's announcement leaves New Orleans in a bit of limbo under center, with unproven options Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener all thrust into a QB battle.
As for the Saints' books, those might be a bit more optimistic. Carr took up a great portion of New Orleans' funds. His exit, while premature, could be a boon as the Saints plan for their future.
Here's what you need to know.
Saints salary cap situation after Derek Carr retirement
With Carr out the door, the Saints have a bit more green to work with in their bank account. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New Orleans won't have to shell out Carr's $30 million guaranteed salary in 2025.
Carr, meanwhile, will pocket his roster bonus — valued at $10 million. The Saints also aren't seeking reimbursement on Carr's signing bonus, either.
Carr's retirement gives New Orleans a bit more wiggle room. According to Spotrac, Carr will carry a dead cap hit of $14.5 million in 2025. That figure will lead to $35.6 million in 2026. That's a marked difference from Carr's pre-retirement figures, which say at $20.4 million and $69.2 million, respectively, according to NOLA.com's Luke Johnson.
The true impact of Carr's retirement won't be felt until the 2026 season — after his exit is formally processed. Carr's $30 million will disappear into the abyss, giving the Saints a lot more green to work with as they look to retool their roster.
At present, New Orleans has $29,121,048 in cap space in 2025, per Spotrac, the 13th-best figure in the league. With Carr, Taysom Hill, and a host of other players set to see their contracts come to an end ahead of the 2026 season, the Saints could make some serious moves in the near future.
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