Derek Carr shocked the football world recently when he announced he was retiring from the New Orleans Saints before the start of the 2025 season. He reportedly discovered a previously unknown shoulder injury and decided it was better to walk away.

The New Orleans Saints saw veteran quarterback Derek Carr suddenly retire from the NFL on Saturday as he dealt with another injury. It marked the end of a solid NFL career for Carr, but it also brought the Saints' immediate quarterback questions into the spotlight.

There is some precedent for quarterbacks making a return to the NFL at age 35 or older. Tom Brady announced his retirement in February 2022 only to announce his return 40 days later. Brett Favre retired and returned multiple times prior to his final NFL season in 2010. But neither of those situations involved Carr's shoulder injury.