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 .
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 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.
