New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr shocked the NFL world on Saturday when he announced his retirement at the age of just 34. The four-time Pro Bowler had been working his way back from a concussion and left hand injury suffered in a Week 14 win over the New York Giants that ended his season,

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.

The Saints selected Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, in part due to concern over the injury to Carr. Despite his advanced age (25), Shough showed promise at the NFL Combine and Pro Day, giving the Saints reason to draft him.