Derek Carr shocked the sports world on Saturday when he announced his retirement, and fans all seem to think the New Orleans Saints are going to pursue a former MVP quarterback now.
Carr has retired after doctors determined he has a shoulder injury that would have required surgery in order for him to play. The 34-year-old likely would have had to sit out the entire 2025, and there was no guarantee he would have returned at full strength after that.
The Saints drafted former Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick last month, but they are likely to bring in a veteran now that Carr is out of the picture. Many fans and members of the media are predicting that New Orleans will now enter the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes.
Derek Carr throws a pass at the Pro Bowl
Feb 4, 2023; Paradise, NV, USA; AFC quarterback Derek Carr of the Las Vegas Raiders (4) during Pro Bowl Games practice at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With Derek Carr retiring from the NFL, the New Orleans Saints need to call Aaron Rodgers.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 10, 2025
Rodgers to the Saints? pic.twitter.com/70g9ldpz4v
— Bobby's Bets (@BobbyBetBot) May 10, 2025
Does that mean Saints have entered the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes now? pic.twitter.com/wXCIVj8CEt
— Baku 🐧 (@Mazursky8895) May 10, 2025
Aaron Rodgers showing up to Saints training camp this summer. pic.twitter.com/bHMvJNYynL
— Farzin Vousoughian (@Farzin21) May 10, 2025
Aaron Rodgers is about to be a New Orleans saint
— SLY (@DunVsEverybodyy) May 10, 2025
Aaron Rodgers after hearing Derek Carr retired: pic.twitter.com/RsJ9TGz5UT
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) May 10, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still hoping to sign Rodgers, but the 41-year-old has not given them an answer. A report this week claimed Rodgers has not had much communication with the Steelers.
Rodgers said a few weeks ago that he has taken so long to make a decision about playing in 2025 because there are issues in his personal life that require his attention.
The Steelers’ only viable starting quarterback option is Mason Rudolph. They also drafted Will Howard in the sixth round, but there is almost no chance of the former Ohio State star starting in his first NFL season.
Unless they are in love with Shough, the Saints will probably at least place a call to Rodgers. The 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback might prefer the Steelers if contending for a championship is his priority, but New Orleans has a new offensive-minded head coach in Kellen Moore. It would not be a surprise if Rodgers entertained a conversation.