Saints Fans Might Need to Apologize to Derek Carr After Latest Injury Update

In the weeks leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints got an unforeseen update regarding the condition of their starting quarterback, Derek Carr. It came to light that he was coping with a shoulder injury which put his participation in the 2025 season at risk; however, the organization chose not to share detailed information about the issue.

Saints supporters have become increasingly impatient with Carr over the course of this off-season. However, Jane Slater from NFL Network shed some light on the quarterback’s situation when she appeared on “ The Insiders ” podcast.

Slater stated that Carr wasn’t previously conscious of his shoulder issue since he "hadn't been throwing much" following the wrist injury sustained during Week 14 of the 2024 season. He "firmly thinks" that both injuries happened in the same match, though he only became aware of the shoulder problem when he started getting ready for the next season.

Carr may not have an alternative to getting surgery on the shoulder, but he is reportedly attempting to avoid it since he previously had surgery on the same shoulder. Slater noted that Carr “wants to see if he can play through with this shoulder injury.” Regardless, a decision is expected to be made sooner rather than later.

Despite Carr’s absence during the Saints' offseason workouts, he apparently visited New Orleans twice recently to consult with team physicians. Additionally, he has maintained frequent contact with Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis; however, it is uncertain if he has connected with Moore yet.

Derek Carr, the Saints appear less disjointed than initially thought.

Carr's injury was the unexpected twist in an odd offseason that has been filled with tension and uncertainty for Carr and the Saints. After New Orleans hired Kellen Moore as their new head coach, rumors began to spread that Carr may have been privately asking for a trade, According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated .

Carr was also not in attendance for the start of organized team activities (OTAs) in April, sparking speculation that all may not be well between Carr and the Saints. While OTAs are voluntary, it’s still customary for a quarterback to be in the building, particularly since New Orleans is undergoing significant changes with a new coaching staff.

Ever since, Carr’s health, prospects, and connection with the team have remained enigmatic.

The future of Derek Carr with the Saints remains unclear.

Rumors about the Saints potentially trading Carr came to an end when the Saints converted $28.7 million of his base salary as a signing bonus to alleviate their yearly salary cap issues. This restructured agreement committed the Saints to pay Carr’s salary for the 2025 season.

Although Carr might stay on the roster for this season, the Saints decided against pushing any part of his salary into later years. This suggests he could be nearing the end of his time with the team. If released after June 1 next year, the Saints would gain $40.4 million in cap space for 2026 by designating Carr as such. Additionally, their selection of Louisville QB Tyler Shough at the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft indicates that they remain undecided about retaining the experienced player long-term.

Before the 2023 season began, the Saints inked Carr to a four-year deal worth $150 million. However, the outcomes haven’t met expectations. During his debut year with the franchise, Carr guided the Saints to a 9-8 win-loss mark, completing passes for 3,878 yards along with throwing 25 touchdown strikes and tossing eight picks.

The 33-year-old played just 10 games in 2024 due to multiple injuries. He missed three games with an oblique injury and was shut down for the season after fracturing his hand in Week 14. While Carr won five of his 10 starts, the Saints failed to win a single game without him. He threw for 2,145 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions.

The article was initially published on News in A Day. Fans of the Saints might need to apologize to Derek Carr following the recent injury update. .