New Orleans Saints veteran quarterback Derek Carr is retiring because of a labral tear in his right shoulder and “significant degenerative changes” to his rotator cuff, the team announced

The Saints took Shough as the third quarterback off the board in the 2025 NFL draft, behind only No. 1 pick Cam Ward by the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants first-round pick Jaxson Dart. The Saints were in need of a quarterback with the uncertainty surrounding Carr's health.

While the Saints were aware that Carr may not be available for Week 1, his departure creates a hole in the quarterback room. Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener and 2025 second-round pick Tyler Shough are currently on the depth chart and Shough could be the favorite to land the Week 1 role.