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?
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!
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
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.