The Impact of Derek Carr’s Retirement on the Saints’ Salary Cap Status

In a startling announcement, quarterback Derek Carr of the New Orleans Saints announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday after 11 seasons. The Saints’ wage cap situation will be significantly impacted by Carr’s retirement, in addition to changing the picture for New Orleans’ quarterback depth chart.

The Saints will receive about $30 million in cash and salary cap relief as a result of Carr’s retirement, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Carr will receive a $10 million roster bonus in March, which he will keep in return.

In 2023, Carr agreed to a $150 million, four-year deal with the Saints.

The Saints modified Carr’s contract in March, reducing his ’25 cap hit to $20.4 million at the time, in an attempt to free up cap space. Carr’s cap figure for ’26 was expected to soar to $69.2 million.

Carr is now choosing to retire from the game after just two seasons in New Orleans.

In March, Carr felt soreness in his right shoulder while throwing a football for the first time since December. According to the team’s retirement announcement, medical examinations revealed that he had suffered a labral tear and that his rotator cuff had shown substantial degenerative alterations.

Carr earned four Pro Bowl selections over his 11 seasons with the Saints and the Las Vegas Raiders, completing 65.1% of his throws for 41,257 yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions.

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