The Atlanta Falcons are once again in the quarterback market - not for a franchise face, but for a savvy veteran to back up rookie Michael Penix Jr. With Kirk Cousins expected to move on, all eyes are on who head coach Kevin Stefanski might bring in as a stabilizing presence behind the young signal-caller. And in a twist that caught some folks off guard amid Super Bowl weekend buzz, a familiar name has surfaced: Derek Carr.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Carr - the former Saints quarterback who retired last May following a significant shoulder injury - is open to returning to the league, but only for the right coaching staff and situation. That’s where Atlanta potentially comes into play.
The Falcons are building around a promising offensive core that includes playmakers like Bijan Robinson and Drake London, and Stefanski is installing a system that rewards smart, efficient quarterback play. On paper, it’s not a bad landing spot for a veteran looking to make a comeback.
But let’s pump the brakes.
Carr may be interested in returning, but the logistics are complicated. The Saints still hold his contractual rights, so any team interested would need to work out a trade.
That’s a hurdle in itself. And then there’s the bigger question: What version of Derek Carr would Atlanta be getting?
Before his injury, Carr was a steady - though not spectacular - presence under center. He made four Pro Bowls during his time with the Raiders, but his final seasons were marked more by inconsistency than impact.
In fact, had he not retired, there’s a good chance New Orleans would’ve cut ties with him anyway. That’s not the kind of trajectory you want from a veteran backup tasked with mentoring a rookie and stepping in if needed.
Enter Joe Flacco.
Flacco might not turn heads with name recognition the way Carr does, but he checks more of the boxes Atlanta should be looking for. He’s a former Super Bowl MVP with experience in Stefanski’s system - a crucial advantage when it comes to building continuity in a new offensive scheme.
And unlike Carr, Flacco’s recent play suggests he can still contribute. Over the past three seasons, he’s stepped in and held his own in Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati, proving he can still operate effectively when called upon.
Yes, Flacco is 41. But he’s a cerebral quarterback who understands his role at this stage in his career.
He’s not coming in expecting to compete for a starting job - he’s coming in to support Penix, help him grow, and be ready if needed. That kind of clarity matters in a quarterback room, especially when developing a young passer.
Carr, on the other hand, might be looking for more than just a clipboard and headset. If he’s going to un-retire, it’s likely because he believes he can still start or at least challenge for a starting role.
That’s not the setup in Atlanta. Stefanski and the Falcons are committed to giving Penix every opportunity to prove he’s the guy.
Bringing in a quarterback with starter aspirations could muddy the waters in a way that doesn’t help anyone.
So while the Carr-Falcons connection is intriguing on the surface - and certainly worth monitoring - it doesn’t feel like a natural fit. The Falcons need stability, leadership, and system familiarity in their QB2.
Flacco brings all of that. Carr, at this point, brings more questions than answers.
Bottom line: If Atlanta wants to give Penix the best chance to succeed, the smarter move is sticking with someone like Flacco - someone who’s been there, done that, and still has enough left in the tank to be a reliable insurance policy.