FEBRUARY 9: Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated predicts Carr will resume his career. Such a development would presumably include a trade being worked out this offseason, so Carr’s potential presence in the quarterback market will remain something to watch closely over the coming weeks.
FEBRUARY 8: Last May, Saints quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement, and it was subsequently reported that he was “extremely unlikely” to reverse that decision. In addressing the matter several months later, however, he did not close the door to an NFL return, and both the Bengals and Colts considered him during their search for injury replacements for their starting quarterbacks in 2025.
According to Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com, Carr is content in retirement at the moment but could be open to a 2026 comeback if the right opportunity presents itself. It is unclear exactly what the “right opportunity” would include, though the NFL.com triumvirate says Carr’s prospective coaching staff would be a key factor.
Carr, who stepped away from the game (at least temporarily) at age 34, chose that route rather than undergoing a shoulder surgery that would have jeopardized his availability for the 2025 slate. In their own announcement on his retirement, the Saints said the four-time Pro Bowler had “significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.”
Fortunately, Carr’s shoulder responded well to rest and recovery. He began rehabbing as the 2025 season went along, and he presently has no shoulder limitations. He is throwing fully as part of his regular exercise regimen.
While Carr is not actively pursuing a comeback, the usual dearth of quality options on the free agent and trade markets, as well as the perceived weakness of the 2026 draft class of collegiate QBs outside of presumptive No. 1 selection Fernando Mendoza, could make him attractive to clubs in need of a bridge option. The fact that he is back to full strength heightens his appeal.
The Saints still control Carr’s rights, meaning they would have to work out a trade with an interested club. But Rapoport et al. do not see that as a real hurdle. Tyler Shough’s strong showing as a rookie and the amicable end to Carr’s New Orleans tenure suggest such a deal would be easy to consummate, and trade compensation would likely be minimal given that Carr has no future with the Saints.
Across 27 games with New Orleans, Carr posted a 14-13 record and completed over 68% of his passes, throwing for 40 touchdowns against just 13 picks. That amounted to a 98.8 quarterback rating.
Already broke? Sad.
Vikings.
Does the nfl and fans really need the Carr brothers blocking everyone on twitter that utters anything but praise for them?
Fade away.
Sure? Only losers talk crap to players online, so who cares who they block?
Only losers talk crap to players online, but the Carrs are notorious for going after analysts who dare to criticize their brother, which is also loser behavior for professional athletes.
Having you families back is loser behavior? Lmao. Spoken like an orphan that nobody likes. Cheer up ugly. Someone will choose you!
What a bizarre leap. Yes, it’s weird to attack professional analysts who reasonably criticize your brother’s performance. Thats not the same as normal having someone’s back.
To be honest I would be angry if someone criticized my brother but obviously not everyone can relate
Sounds like you tried trolling him on Twitter, but he blocked you instead of engaging, and now you’re sour about it.
Calm down, Derek. Use the mute button here instead.
Careful, he may try blocking you for not pointing out he’s failed to lead teams to the playoffs (and blame it on coaching/O-Line/etc) again… igan, andigan
Carr and Cousins seem about even at this point.
If Carr’s shoulder was the real reason he kept putting up such weak albeit very efficient passing stats as a Saint, then he easily becomes the best option out there this off-season.
We know it had at least some impact, so I lean toward agreeing. I guess it depends whether or not he would play for a bad team though.
Used Carr for sale or trade.
one 6th round pick, or best offer!
Ran when parked
The difference between Derek Carr and a 1974 Ford Pinto is that the latter has a good chance of catching on fire 🙂
Whoa, what a burn!
Got some Spiro Agnew jokes as well? LOL
Derek Carr is a Raiders legend and more than held his own with them Saints. Wouldn’t mind the Jets getting Carr in a trade to use as a bridge to the QB they’ll find in the upcoming Draft.
If it’s for the Jets, he’d be wise to stay retired
I mean, “legend” is a bit of a strong word.
Carr holds the Raiders’ club records for career TD passes and career passing yardage. 😊
I guess we have different definitions of the word legend. Carr has been an above average starter for a decent amount of time.
When the Bears have their first 4000 yard passing season, will that QB be a legend too?
He specifically said “Raiders legend.” And yes, the Bears first 4000 yard passer (probably Caleb Williams) will most likely go down as a club legend.
Playing 17 games makes it feasible for any QB to throw for 4,000.
Derek Carr at best was just waiting for the right draft pick in New Orleans. Glad he gone
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, Momma Carr straight from the homestead in Bakersfield California!
Also home to the “Bakersfield Massacre”….
Thanks Slick, I had forgotten that the Carr’s do that when they hear anything negative about their boys online.
His 63-79 record with the Raiders is downright legendary.
It is a team sport and he spent all that time with the legendary Mark Davis as owner.
Carr is not a legendary quarterback but he is legendary for the raiders because he has all the records
If Rich Gannon had a few more prime seasons then Carr wouldnt be legendary
But Sad, if you’re saying he can be replaced as a “legend” by a few strong seasons by Mendoza, was he ever a legend to begin with?
Raiders fans have been telling me for years that they’d never be good until after they got a better QB than Carr. Hardly a “legend”.
He wasn’t bad, just average. He’s more folktale than legend.
How have Raiders performed after Derek Carr? Enough said
How about a trip to Minnesota? McCarthy is a bust. Jefferson is going to leave if they don’t get somebody to throw the ball to him. He could do worse.
Careful about calling McCarthy a bust. He could win a Super Bowl 6 years and 4 teams from now
SeaCap- And Colon Kaperstink may actually make a comeback to the NFL. 🤭
You could come back to this comment in 6 years and say I told you so but it’s looking like Nine is just another Josh Rosen
He doesn’t have the jets/browns excuse like Darnold or Mayfield since he plays for the best QB friendly coach
Good news he’s physically better!
If he wants to return and a team offers opportunity then – why not?
Might be he’s bored in retirement and maybe sees a job as a decent way to occupy his time and test his skills again.
Options might be out there but finding a team with a decent enough o-line could be a key.
he has played exactly one playoff game his entire career.. something tells me he’d be a perfect jet
That makes him overqualified to be a Jet.
Ironically, the team who most needs a veteran bridge quarterback are the Raiders.
Mendoza should not be thrown to the lions for at least half a season, if not a season and a half.
If he is healthy enough to come back … I believe Kubiak will get him as well, if he releases or trades Smith.
Vikings would be a nice fit….
Jets?
If I’m Aaron Glenn I’m taking a chance on him and wait for a 2027 QB to invest in
If the Jets are high enough in the draft to pick a QB, Aaron Glenn won’t be there.
He could lol
I would never sign a half in/half out QB like Derek Carr or Aaron Rodgers. The position demands total commitment both mentally and physically. But teams are tempted by talent and keep making the same mistakes over and over.
Please let it be the Browns
He saw Darnold win and said “I can do that”…but I don’t think he can.
This is actually a good time for him to do this, since there’s as many as eight teams that could be looking for another option at quarterback.