In one of the most shocking news of the offseason, 11-year veteran quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL. After stints with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders and the New Orleans Saints, Carr’s decision came as a shock to many involved.
In the middle of a four-year contract, Carr was widely expected to be the Saints’ Week 1 starter. However, a labral tear and excessive damage to his rotator cuff eventually forced him to make the decision. As messages from the league started pouring in, a former collegiate teammate, Davante Adams, also had a heartwarming message for his former QB.
Davante Adams Pens Heartfelt Message for Derek Carr
Both Carr and Davante Adams have had solid NFL careers. Coming into the league in 2014, the two were taken within 20 picks of each other and went on to have excellent careers.
While Adams is still continuing to play at a high level, signing with the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, Carr had to call it quits. The two Fresno State alums, however, put together a remarkable run for the Bulldogs.
After a solid first year together in 2012, 2013 saw both men explode for career numbers. Carr finished the season with 5,083 yards and 50 touchdowns, earning the Sammy Baugh Trophy, while Adams was responsible for 1,719 of those yards and 24 of the scores, earning the Paul Warfield Trophy as a result.
Both Adams and Carr have their jersey numbers retired by the program. Eventually, the two even got to share the same locker room in the NFL as well, albeit for just a single season. Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 in what would end up being Carr’s final year with the team.
Hearing the news of his retirement, the veteran wide receiver posted a story on Instagram with an image of the two teammates celebrating, “Happy retirement brudda! Rest that arm!!”
After a fractured hand cut his second year short with New Orleans, Carr was hoping to make a full recovery and rejoin the squad in 2025 as the starter. However, with the severity of the damage to his right shoulder, he had to call it quits.
“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. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”
Carr’s retirement leaves the QB1 spot for New Orleans wide open. However, the timing of his decision has also opened up nearly $30 million in cap space for the Saints, giving them a chance to reset their books for the first time since the final years of Drew Brees.