Given the developments in recent weeks, it shouldn't be shocked, but the decision of New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr to retire from the NF still lands because of its final condition and the physical environment that ultimately reveals, a situation the 34-year-old passer has been coping with lately.

"After a prayer reflection, in a discussion with Heather, I decided to retire," Carl said in a statement issued by the Saints, referring to his wife.

"We have been very happy for over a decade and we are forever very grateful and humble about this experience. It's hard to find the right words to thank all teammates, coaches, management, ownership, ownership, team officials, and especially those who make this journey so special. Your inaction support means the world means the world to us."

While his post-football journey may start prematurely, it must also be admitted that his departure will be more extensive than New Orleans. Your winners and losers come from Carl's retirement:

winner

Tyler Shoough

Last month, the Saints' second round draft pick, rookie quarterback, appeared to have started the internal track in 2025, as there are already obvious questions about Carl's availability in the upcoming season. Now - unless there is a catastrophic offseason or unexpected surge in Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler - Shought, now 25, seems almost certain to get a quick QB1 form in Big Easy. He entered the NFL after a seven-year college career that is often interrupted by injuries, but started his personal best 12 games for Louisville in 2024. He's smart, mature and has a big arm, and these traits should give him a shot attitude - especially considering how many Rattler and Haener have struggled a lot so far in his NFL career so far.

2025 NFL Draft Level: Transcripts for all 32 teams

Atlanta Falcon and Carolina Black Panther

The NFC South has long been dominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which won the Super Bowl after the 2020 season and has ended in the department every year since. But, led by promising young coaches and quarterbacks, Atlanta and Carolina are now seeing their chances for the divisional throne — perhaps even a surprise NFC wildcard for 2025, adding 7.5 wins, given the Saints’ average 7.5 wins since the QB Drew Brees four years ago.

Arch Manning?

Just say. The speculation is already running on AMOK, as it relates to NFL teams, and may compete for draft positions to obtain the supposed UT star, who still throws only 63 passes for the Longhorns. But that happens to the Football Royals when you are the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, who combined four Super Bowls in their outstanding NFL career. But if the Saints are definitely a crater in 2025, it seems entirely possible in the case of Carl's announcement, which seems entirely possible considering that he starts 10 games in 2024. Now, imagine if they finished No. 1 pick in 2026, Arch Manning seemed to be expecting that kind of season in Austin and had the option to go home to his native New Orleans and restore his grandfather Archie Manning to his grandfather Archie Manning, who played in vain but futilely in the 1970s.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: What if Manning stays in Texas?

Aaron Rodgers?

Hey, see who might have other job options in 2025!

loser

Aaron Rodgers

But, as you said, New Orleans' offense may have a higher potential than the Steelers' offense — not to mention the ideal game conditions for Superdome — there are few expectations from the Rodgers or the Saints, or the Saints will unite so they can win eight to nine games.

Saint Veterans

Even though Brace hung up his own cleats and former coach Sean Payton “retired,” longtime GM Mickey Loomis continued to operate as if the Saints were just one or two relocated from the former perch of NFC South. But not only did this not happen, but this roster was plagued by aging veterans like DL Cam Jordan, LB Demario Davis, S Tyrann Mathieu, WR Brandin Cooks, and RB Alvin Kamara. It is worth mentioning whether Rumis might want to trade these players, perhaps some would ask - given that this seems to be the time to collect future draft capital, and given the way the organization tends to do business, perhaps it has sorted out the salary cap that has been filled with poverty.

Karen Moore

A few months ago, he was offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles and won the Super Bowl ring in New Orleans. Now Moore can face tough situations openly during his first performance as head coach. Perhaps the expectations for him and the fan base can be determined from Carl's decision. But even in 2026 and beyond, better days have clear potential for one of the league’s best young players to play can cause short-term pain – the most important job at the moment may be to bring this team together in the inevitable doubts.

Derek Carr

It's not any proud footballer, especially a four-time professional bowler who has been the face of a raider for nearly a decade, wants to get out. In view of the strange timing of Carl's sudden exposure before the draft, Carl's motives have also flooded in recent weeks. The Saints revealed on Saturday that after Carr started preparing for the upcoming season, “the medical scan identified Derek’s shoulder cuff mess and also carried out major degenerate changes to his shoulder cuff.… The surgery is an option that endangers the entire 2025 season, but there is no guarantee that Derek will return to the intensity effect, he has recovered and has effects, and he was once the performance and performance.

That is, for Carl, the major is the major. In 2014, he performed well in many bad Silver and Black squads in the then-Oakland Raiders’ second round selection and helped the team transition to Las Vegas in 2020. He retired as the owner of a significant pass record for most Raiders, despite only one playoff game – a loss in Cincinnati three years ago. Still, if there is no doubt that a Carl would choose to end in very different situations, it is a commendable career.

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