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 took Shough as the third quarterback off the board in the 2025 NFL draft, behind only No. 1 pick Cam Ward by the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants first-round pick Jaxson Dart. The Saints were in need of a quarterback with the uncertainty surrounding Carr's health.

Derek Carr's sudden retirement will have little impact on the Saints' 2025 salary cap, but the team will reap some benefits in 2026.