The New Orleans Saints were dealt a bit of a curveball with quarterback Derek Carr announcing his retirement from the NFL on Saturday morning. Carr and the Saints admitted that his shoulder injury was a major motivator in the decision to hang it up after 11 years in the pros.

NEW ORLEANS — Saints veteran starting quarterback Derek Carr decided to retire because of a labral tear in his right shoulder and “significant degenerative changes” to his rotator cuff, the team announced Saturday.

While the Saints were aware that Carr may not be available for Week 1, his departure creates a hole in the quarterback room. Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough are currently on the depth chart and Shough could be the favorite to land the Week 1 role.