Derek Carr's stunning decision to retire last month included forgoing $30 million by deciding not to undergo surgery, which would have kept the New Orleans Saints quarterback out for the 2025 regular season.
"That part was tough because I didn't want to have surgery and just sit there and -- it sounds crazy but -- just take the Saints money," Carr told David Rumsey of Front Office Sports.
Carr framed his May 10 decision to walk away as being in the best interest of all parties.
"I wouldn't have been able to play if I had the surgery," Carr said. "And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn't near 100%, and so that doesn't help them, either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team."
The Saints and Carr came to the decision that the quarterback would retire, leaving $30 million guaranteed that he would have received in 2025, and the club wouldn't pursue the $10 million roster bonus that would have been forfeited by retiring.
"I never played just for the money," Carr said. "I had a whole bunch of people tell me how crazy I was, and, 'Man, I would never have done that.' That's all cool, but I've gained all these things that the world has to offer, and it doesn't really do anything for your heart. I knew my heart was at peace, and that's really all that mattered."
Having made more than $200 million in his career makes it easier to walk away. Carr, who started a YouTube channel with his brother, NFL Network analyst David Carr, is comfortable with his decision and ready to pursue other ventures.
"My agent literally texted me a few days ago and he said, 'Hey, just checking it in. How's everything? You still feel comfortable with the decision?' And I sent him a picture of me on the beach with my two kids playing. And I said, 'This beats an OTA any day.' And he said, 'Yeah, I thought so,' " Carr said. "So, I'm doing great and have thoroughly enjoyed being home."
If injury strikes a contending club's quarterback this season, Carr might be mentioned as a possible replacement. It's possible the 34-year-old gets the itch to return at some point, but for now, it doesn't sound like he'd be answering that call.
