With Derek Carr announcing his retirement on Saturday, the New Orleans Saints gained the clarity they've been waiting for. But this is the real-time gap that makes the quarterback position.

The 2025 game is in danger after a medical scan confirmed that Carr, 34, suffered a cleavage of lip and that his rotator cuff has also undergone a major change. New Orleans has been looking for a closure since the news of Carl's injury first broke out on April 11. Now that Carl has formalized his identity, what is left of the Saint?

They drafted Tyler Shoough last month in the second round and won sophomore quarterback Spencer Rattler and third-year quarterback Jake Haener in the roster, but New Orleans scored 0-7 last season in a game where Carl didn't start. Will the saints bring more help? Will they get out with the people they have?

NFL national journalist Katherine Terrell and national writer Jeremy Fowler addressed the biggest problem with Carl's retirement effect.

What does this opportunity mean for the saints?

The Saints have been able to play for a game without Carl - now it is OK. Carr's retirement was officially held during the team's rookie mini-training camp, the team's first expansion to Shought. Now, they will be able to keep one of their young quarterbacks in mind to install the offense and eliminate any controversy about Carl's decision in the offseason.

It might be distracting if things go into training camp, but now it's essentially a clean plate for the coaching staff and young quarterbacks. Shought, Rattler and Haener will now separate quarterback representatives as they start later this month. If the Saints choose to be a starter this season, they can make a decision early without the potential shadow of Carl hanging over him.

This also makes their 2026 plan easier. Since Carr chose to retire rather than continue to be injured reserves, they don't have to decide on his future at the start of the 2026 offseason. This cleared a task from the 2026 list, which could be lengthy, with many older players in the roster. - Terrell

How will the Saints go at quarterback? Can they bring another QB?

Coach Kellen Moore did not seem to be the starter when he was the Saints head coach in February. Although Moore publicly supported Carl over the next few months, he always seemed to want to take his own guy, and the decision was sealed when Hoff was played in the second round.

Now, this saint's staff can shape the room in any way they want. Currently, this is a room with three young quarterbacks – they can choose to bring a veteran (who recently released Ben Dinucci) to help the mentor, or they can roll with the young and stay the same. The Saints also brought Hunter Dekkers to the trial players of rookie mini camps - if the Saints like what they see, he could try to compete for the practice squad for the practice squad. - Terrell

What is the impact of this move’s contract/wage cap?

Carl will make $40 million this season - $30 million in base salary and $10 million in lineup bonus. The Saints reorganized his contract for the salary cap, which brought his base salary to the league minimum, with the remaining signing bonus of $28.75 million, paid weekly this season. Under his contract, signing the bonus depends on “accepting medical permission for practice and competition.” If the contract retires from the NFL, the contract may also invalidate the money. Under the retirement agreement, Carl will lose $30 million in base salary but retain a $10 million signing bonus. If he doesn't submit his retirement paper until June 1, the Saints will face most of the cap meanings of 2026. - Terrell

Can Carr's retirement be permanent?

The person I talked to today would be very surprised if he tried to return. Over the past few months, it’s obvious that Carl’s position as a true QB1. So far, is he still one of the 32 best quarterbacks in the league? The most certain thing is. But, outside of the Saints this season, he had no obvious home, recovering from a serious shoulder injury, and 34-year-old in March was a difficult task. He will earn more than $200 million in his career when leaving New Orleans’ 2025 salary. It feels like the reward is an uphill battle - although if completely healed, you can't impress the player's potential desire to try to make a comeback. - Fowler

If he doesn't return to the NFL, what is Carl's legacy?

Carl's career is underestimated in some ways. During his nine years with the Las Vegas Raiders, he played for six different head coaches (two interims) and five different dramatists, as well as a new coordinator for each season with the Saints. Despite the turnovers, thriving - continuing to make four Pro Bowls - is an impressive feat. He was also durable before his last year in New Orleans, playing 15 or more games in each of his first 10 NFL seasons. At his peak, he knocked on the top ten doors at his position. But he is largely considered a good player and cannot get a team and glory on the hump. Carr won the playoff playoff game with the Raiders in 2022. - Fowler