QB Derek Carr expressed that part of his decision to retire was that he didn't want to "just take" the New Orleans Saints' money.

Carr has made close to $200 million in his career, so it softens the blow of losing out on $30 million for the year. But it’s admirable that Carr’s decision to retire saves the Saints that money against the cap, some relief for a team that’s spent more time in the red than a troubling gambler.

Carr was set to earn $30 million in 2025 and had two years remaining on the four-year, $150 million deal he signed in 2023. He will take home a $10 million roster bonus. Since joining the league as a second-round pick in 2024, Carr accumulated under $196 million in career earnings.