THE New Orleans Saints have been forced into signing a little-known undrafted quarterback.
The move comes after Derek Carr announced his surprise retirement this week.
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New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and fresh signing Hunter DekkersCredit: AP
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Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL due to a shoulder injuryCredit: Getty
The 34-year-old has suffered a number of injury problems over a tough NFL career.
However, a shoulder problem picked up in March ultimately ended his playing days.
He decided he wants to hang up his cleats and spend time with his family and friends.
It came just weeks after the NFL Draft, where the Saints picked up Tyler Shough.
He was chosen in the second round in a surprise move ahead of Shedeur Sanders.
Now, the NFC South team are signing another QB to add to their roster.
According to reports, rookie Hunter Dekkers will now be linking up with them.
He had been trying out with the Saints during their offseason mini-camp.
The 23-year-old joins Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener as quarterbacks on the roster.
All four will be competing for the starting spot ahead of the first game of the 2025 season.
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Dekkers finished his college career at Iowa Western Community College.
He lost his NCAA eligibility permanently for betting on Iowa State games.
The QB was on the roster at the time, but did not play in the game against Oklahoma State in 2021.
Dekkers replaced Brock Purdy in 2022 and completed 66.1 per cent of his passes.
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He also reached 3,044 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
But he was missing from football in 2023, and then onto Iowa Western the following year.
There, Dekkers threw for 3,806 yards with 32 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
He then entered the NFL Draft in April, but wasn’t picked up by a team.
Meanwhile, according to reports on Tuesday, Carr has well and truly retired from the NFL.
A comeback is understood to be “extremely unlikely” at this stage.
He is said to be already in talks over other professional plans away from football.