Truth be told, they have been since March 14, 2021, when franchise legend and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Brees retired from playing football. Brees was instrumental in transforming the Saints from near-perennial bottom-feeder into an NFC powerhouse.

Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr has decided to retire because of a labral tear and degenerative rotator cuff injury in his right shoulder, leading the team to begin its QB competition in earnest.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr decided to retire from the NFL on Saturday with a shoulder injury, marking a shocking conclusion to the months-long saga between the 34-year-old and the team.