Who Should I Start? Derek Carr or Joe Burrow

Friday, May 16, 12:31 PM

Everyone concedes that quarterback Derek Carr (shoulder) was dealing with a torn right labrum and "significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff," but not everyone believes it's the full story of why he abruptly retired, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Katherine Terrell. Just before free agency in early March, word began to spread within league circles that Carr, who was heading into the third year of a four-year, $150 million contract, was open to playing elsewhere. According to three league sources, one of his representatives spoke with at least two teams in the market for a QB about potential interest in Carr. A team source said Carr had a close kinship with last season's coaches in New Orleans, who are all now gone, and the Saints' plan to restructure his contract was another potential source of friction. New head coach Kellen Moore never fully committed to Carr being the starter in 2025, either, before learning of his shoulder injury. It sounds as though in addition to his shoulder injury, Carr knew 2025 was going to be his last with the Saints, and rather than trying to figure out a plan to play elsewhere, he decided to hang up his cleats.

Thursday, May 22, 1:41 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is 100% physically this offseason. "I feel great," Burrow said. "This is the best that I've felt in the offseason. Just like every year, trying to get better, trying to get stronger, faster, healthier. Try to find ways that you can optimize your health throughout the whole season, not hurt as much. I'm in a good spot." Last year at this time, Burrow was worried about his "football mortality" and was recovering from surgery he had on his right wrist that impacted him early on. The 28-year-old posted career-highs in completion percentage (71%), passing yards (4,918) and TD:INT ratio (43:9) in 2024 despite missing out on the playoffs. Rushing prowess isn't part of Burrow's game, but the passing volume should be there to give him top-five QB upside in fantasy with excellent aerial targets.