Derek Carr and Kellen Moore.Derek Carr and Kellen Moore (Photos via Imagn Images)
Some new surprising details have emerged on the relationship between Derek Carr and New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore following the quarterback’s stunning retirement.

On Saturday morning, Derek Carr announced that he was retiring from football because of his nagging shoulder injury. The 34-year-old had two years remaining on the $150 million deal he signed in 2023 free agency.

Prior to Carr’s unexpected retirement, there was some optimism about the four-time Pro Bowler regaining his form under one of the league’s brightest offensive minds. But the Carr-Moore partnership will never happen, and the rookie head coach will instead move forward with sophomore Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough.

According to a report from Saints reporter Jeff Nowak of Audacy Sports and WWL Radio in New Orleans, Kellen Moore and Derek Carr “never” met in person after the Saints brought him in as their new head coach.

Nowak adds that Carr playing in 2025 in New Orleans “was really never a realistic possibility.”

In his first season as offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, Moore helped Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley put together MVP-caliber seasons en route to a Super Bowl 59 championship.

Derek Carr & Saints Never Got In The Right Rhythm Together

Derek Carr throwing a footballDerek Carr (Photo via Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
The Saints were the popular pick to win the weak NFC South in 2023 after signing Carr, and following Tom Brady’s retirement. But Carr never looked comfortable in New Orleans, going just 14-13-0 as their starting QB with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

New Orleans finished 9-8 in year one under Carr, losing the NFC South to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a tiebreaker. Carr went 5-5 in his 10 starts last season.