Derek Carr Undergoing Surgery Wouldn't Guarantee He'd Return to His Level of Play

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr retired from the NFL on Saturday amid a shoulder injury that a potential procedure might not completely resolve.

The Saints noted on their official website that surgery was "an option" for Carr, but there was "no guarantee Derek would return to the level of strength, function and performance of play to which he was accustomed."

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Carr tried an injection and rehab but it wouldn't allow him to possibly return to 100 percent unless he underwent surgery.

The team also announced that the veteran passer had a labral tear and "significant degenerative changes" to his rotator cuff, which were discovered in March.

Carr released a statement regarding his decision.

“Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League,” said Carr. “For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special."

NFL Network's Jane Slater reported that Carr believes he suffered the injury in Week 14 of the 2024 season, the same game in which he sustained a wrist injury that caused him to miss New Orleans' final four contests of the year.

The 34-year-old will now be stepping away from the NFL following an 11-year career that he spent with the Saints and Las Vegas Raiders.

Carr threw for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns compared to 112 interceptions, earning four Pro Bowl nods. He sits at No. 1 on the Raiders' all-time passing leaderboard.

After appearing in a career-low 10 games during his 2024 campaign, there was a chance that a procedure on Carr's shoulder may have prevented him from returning to the same level he was at before the injury.

Eventually, the looming possibility of surgery affected his choice to retire.