Quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement from the New Orleans Saints on Sunday after an 11-year NFL career.
Carr, 34, was a second-round pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State. He played his first nine years with the Raiders. Upon his release after the 2022-23 season, Carr was signed by New Orleans, where he played out the final two years of his career.
Dennis Allen was head coach of the Raiders when Oakland drafted Carr. Allen was also the head coach of the Saints when they signed Carr to a multi-year contract in 2023. He was (finally) fired by New Orleans seven games into last season.
Aug 8, 2014; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is watched by head coach Dennis Allen in warmups against the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images
Aug 8, 2014; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is watched by head coach Dennis Allen in warmups against the Minnesota Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images
This offseason, Allen was hired to be the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears.
After Chicago's rookie minicamp practice on Sunday, Allen was asked how he felt about Derek Carr's retirement.
''My experience with him was outstanding. I mean, what a great individual. I was there when we drafted him in Oakland, had a chance to coach him again as he matured there in New Orleans. I love Derek Carr. I haven’t spoken to him. I just saw that (Carr's retirement) right before we walked onto the practice field today. He did a lot of good things, and he was always somebody that was pleasant to be around in the building.''
Quarterback Derek Carr (4) and head coach Dennis Allen on the sidelines with the New Orleans Saints. Credit: NFL.com
Quarterback Derek Carr (4) and head coach Dennis Allen on the sidelines with the New Orleans Saints. Credit: NFL.com
After being drafted by the Raiders in 2014, Carr opened that year as Oakland's starting quarterback. The Raiders opened that season with an 0-4 record, causing the team to fire Dennis Allen.
In those four games, Carr averaged 184 passing yards with 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions as the Raiders averaged only 12.8 points in those contests.
Allen was thought to be the main factor when the Saints pursued Carr during the 2023 offseason. Carr started every game for New Orleans that year, completing 68.4% of his throws for 3,878 yards with 25 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, and a 9-8 record.
Carr started the first five games for New Orleans last season before an oblique injury sidelined him for three weeks. In those games, he averaged 198 passing yards with 8 touchdowns and 4 interceptions as the Saints managed a 2-3 record.
Nov 3, 2024; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls out a play against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Nov 3, 2024; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls out a play against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
Carr returned in Week 9 last year for a game at the lowly Carolina Panthers. It would also turn out to be Allen's final game as New Orleans coach. Carr completed 18 of 31 throws for 236 yards and a score. After the 23-22 defeat in Carolina, Saints owner Gayle Benson fired Dennis Allen.
Together, the combination of Derek Carr and Dennis Allen produced a record of 11-16. With Allen as his head coach, Carr threw 38 touchdowns and 20 interceptions while averaging 210 passing yards per game.