A representative for former New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr spoke with at least two teams in need of a passer to gauge their interest prior to free agency, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Katherine Terrell.
Though one league source deemed the contact as indirect, a Saints source said no permission was given in writing to Carr to speak to other teams, according to Fowler and Terrell. Another Saints source said the team was aware of Carr reaching out to other clubs but didn't consider it a major issue, partly due to the belief that his longevity had earned him the right to evaluate his future, per Fowler and Terrell.
The discussions with other teams reportedly never became serious.
Carr announced his retirement last week after medical scans revealed he was dealing with a labral tear and significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff. The 34-year-old and the franchise were weighing their options, including the possibility that Carr could miss the entire 2025 season, before the quarterback decided to retire.
Carr's shoulder issue was reported in April, though there was a lack of clarity about the specifics of the injury until his retirement. The quarterback experienced pain in his right shoulder in late March while ramping up his preparation for the 2025 season, according to the team's statement on his retirement.
Some within the Saints told Fowler and Terrell they learned about the injury in late March, but one New Orleans coaching source reportedly said he learned about the issue when the initial report from April surfaced.
Carr's final season with the Saints was plagued by injuries, including an oblique ailment and a fractured left hand that ended his season. He missed seven games overall.
The Saints drafted Tyler Shough in the second round last month due to the lack of clarity surrounding Carr. Shough will compete with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener for the starting quarterback job.
