Derek Carr Walks Away from \$30M and NFL Career: ‘Didn’t Want to Take the Saints’ Money’
In a decision that has stunned fans and stirred discussion across the NFL community, veteran quarterback Derek Carr has announced his retirement, turning down a \$30 million salary from the New Orleans Saints.
The 34-year-old signal-caller cited personal integrity and a sense of duty to the team as key reasons for walking away from the game — and the lucrative payday that came with it.
Carr, who battled a nagging shoulder injury throughout the 2024 season, revealed that he would have needed surgery to continue. The procedure, however, would have sidelined him for most — if not all — of the 2025 campaign. Facing that reality, Carr made a decision few in professional sports would consider.
“That part was tough because I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and—it sounds crazy but—just take the Saints money,” Carr said in a recent interview. “I wouldn’t have been able to play if I had the surgery. And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn’t near 100%, and so that doesn’t help them, either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team.”
Carr joined the Saints in 2023 after nine seasons with the Raiders franchise, where he built a reputation as a dependable and resilient leader. While his time in New Orleans didn’t produce the playoff success fans had hoped for, Carr remained a steady presence on and off the field. But ultimately, it was his character — not his statistics — that left a lasting impression.
The Saints reportedly hoped Carr would rehab and return in 2025, but the veteran quarterback was firm in his resolve.
“I never played just for the money,” Carr said. “I had a whole bunch of people tell me how crazy I was, and ‘Man, I would never have done that.’ That’s all cool, but I’ve gained all these things that the world has to offer, and it doesn’t really do anything for your heart. I knew my heart was at peace, and that’s really all that mattered.”
Carr’s departure marks the end of an 11-year NFL career that saw him throw for over 40,000 yards and earn four Pro Bowl selections. While the decision to retire with money left on the table is rare, Carr’s graceful exit has been praised by teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
In a league often defined by contracts, endorsements, and accolades, Carr’s retirement stands as a reminder that integrity and peace of mind still hold value — perhaps even more than a \$30 million paycheck.