Derek Carr Retires: Saints Enter a New Era — What It Means for Fantasy
Kevin reacts to the latest news of Derek Carr retiring!
Just days before the 2025 NFL Draft, the Saints' quarterback room was thrown into chaos. News surfaced that Derek Carr was battling a lingering shoulder issue, and despite attempts at rehab and injections, he ultimately made the call to retire. According to reports, doctors told Carr he wouldn’t be fully healthy without another procedure, and the veteran opted to step away instead of pushing through another long recovery.
The move ends Carr’s run after a shortened 2024 season in which he threw for 1,926 yards, 14 touchdowns, and four interceptions in just ten games. Financially, both sides walk away with something. Carr forfeits $30 million in guarantees, but the Saints reportedly won’t seek repayment of bonuses already paid out.
Now let’s shift to the fantasy fallout.
Fantasy Fallout for the Saints
Quarterback
This quarterback room will likely come down to Spencer Rattler vs. Tyler Shough unless New Orleans adds a veteran bridge. For now, Shough walks into a real shot at starting Week 1, and Kellen Moore’s success with different quarterback archetypes gives some optimism he can coach up whoever wins the job. We gave Shough a mid-second rookie draft grade in our guide for a reason, and if you snagged him later, congrats. He’s the type of asset whose value will only rise heading into camp. Still, if I have him rostered, I’d be shopping him now. This is a volatile profile you want to cash out on, not build around.
Running Back
This could be the Alvin Kamara show. He’s been a value all offseason, and now his ceiling expands even more in PPR leagues. Kamara was RB5 in points per game last season, despite only playing 14 games. He’s not the most efficient back anymore, but he’s still dominant in the passing game, seventh in snap share, sixth in opportunity share. If the Saints pivot into a rebuild, Kamara could be moved, but that doesn’t hurt his value. he can produce almost anywhere.
Kendre Miller and Devin Neal both get small bumps. Neal especially intrigues me in deeper leagues. He fits Moore’s scheme and has a path to a role if he can leapfrog Miller. If you’re stashing one of the two, make it Neal.
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Wide Receiver/ Tight End
This room takes a hit, but let’s not pretend Carr was elevating anyone last year. Chris Olave remains a strong dynasty asset valued like a top-20 player, but the hype hasn’t met production yet. He’s still a buy for me if you’re comfortable with the injury concerns and banking on target volume from a rookie QB.
Shaheed is a better real-life asset than fantasy one, especially in return leagues. Juwan Johnson is fine, but there's no shift in value. The sneaky riser here? Taysom Hill. The guy refuses to fade away. If the Saints embrace some creative packages, Hill could be annoying in all the right ways for fantasy.
What If You Had Carr in Superflex?
If you just lost Carr as your QB2 or QB3 in Superflex leagues, now’s the time to pivot. Here are a few low-cost targets I’d look into:
Bryce Young – Young asset who could continue to rise in value.
Dak Prescott – A steady veteran with upside now that Dallas added Pickens.
Tua Tagovailoa – Still undervalued despite top-12 production when healthy.
For short-term upside and volatility, I’d take a shot on Justin Fields. You know the story: erratic passer, elite rusher. He’s finished top-12 in 24 of 42 career games with full snaps, including 12 top-5 finishes. He’s a better fantasy player than a real one, and if he stays on the field all season, he’s a difference maker in fantasy leagues. He can bridge your quarterback gap.
Dynasty Trades Involving Those Quarterbacks:
Bryce Young/2.07 FOR Khalil Shakir/2.11
Bryce Young FOR 1.11
Bryce Young FOR Jordan Addison
Dak Prescott/3.02 FOR 1.10
Dak Prescott/2.03 FOR 1.09/3.09
Dak Prescott FOR Cooper Kupp/2026 2nd
Tua Tagovailoa FOR 1.09
Tua Tagovailoa/2026 1st FOR Kyler Murray
Tua Tagovailoa FOR 1.11/2.11
Justin Fields FOR 2.12/3.12
Justin Fields FOR Chuba Hubbard/4.09
Justin Fields FOR Ricky Pearsall