Report: Carr's availability in 2025 uncertain due to shoulder injury

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury that could jeopardize his availability for the 2025 season, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Carr is weighing all potential options, including surgery.

The Saints weren't surprised by Carr's injury as the two sides have been in communication for a while about the ailment, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.

The 34-year-old quarterback has served as the Saints' primary starting quarterback over the past two seasons. He signed a four-year, $150-million deal with New Orleans after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Carr agreed to terms on a revised deal that converted his 2025 salary into a signing bonus last month. The revision helped create nearly $31 million in cap space for the Saints prior to free agency. The veteran signal-caller will have a $20.4-million cap hit next season, according to Over the Cap.

The four-time Pro Bowler was limited to 10 games last season because of various injuries. Carr led the Saints to a 5-5 mark as a starter, passing for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions with a 67.7% completion rate.

"Derek is obviously a really good quarterback in this league," head coach Kellen Moore said during the NFL's Annual League Meeting, per NewOrleans.Football. "Again, I think we've been pretty consistent as we've gone through this process with the restructure as we give ourselves some flexibility from a roster standpoint."

Backups Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener split starting duties while Carr was sidelined in 2024. Ben DiNucci fills out New Orleans' quarterback depth chart. The team could opt to use the No. 9 overall pick in the NFL draft later this month to select a signal-caller.

The Saints own a 14-13 record with Carr under center over two seasons. The Fresno State product has thrown for 6,023 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions since signing with New Orleans in March 2023.