Derek Carr‘s decision to retire from the NFL left the New Orleans Saints scrambling, as they were left with Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough at quarterback.
However, it’s not like Carr didn’t want to play anymore.
If anything, it was a tough decision for him.
Talking on “The Dan Patrick Show,” the 34-year-old opened up about walking away from his $30 million salary.
“It wasn’t easy, I promise,” Carr said.
"It wasn't easy, I promise!"
– @derekcarrqb on walking away from $30 million. pic.twitter.com/brAbeUL0f5
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) September 11, 2025
Carr claimed that his wife had to help him get out of bed, so she was ready for him to call it quits.
For him, it was about a nagging shoulder injury and the beating he endured during his 11 NFL seasons.
Carr did admit that he will continue to train, but that doesn’t mean he’s looking to make a comeback.
He has a job as an analyst, breaking down film and providing his unique insight into what goes on in the game.
A second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, his career didn’t pan out the way some people expected.
He eventually helped the Las Vegas Raiders reach the playoffs, but he also had a fair share of shortcomings.
Then, after a good first season with New Orleans, the physical toll finally caught up to him last year.
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