Could Derek Carr Make an NFL Comeback? Here's What We Know
Just when the quarterback carousel seemed to be slowing down this offseason, a familiar name might be jumping back into the mix. Derek Carr - yes, that Derek Carr - could be eyeing a return to the NFL after stepping away from the game last year.
According to multiple reports, Carr isn’t actively campaigning for a comeback, but the door is open. If the right opportunity presents itself - the right team, the right coaching staff, the right situation - he’s apparently willing to listen. And here's the kicker: he's fully healthy now, with no lingering limitations from the shoulder injury that sidelined him and ultimately led to his retirement.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Carr walked away from the game after it became clear he’d need shoulder surgery that would likely keep him out for all of 2025. Now, with that behind him and his body back to full strength, the four-time Pro Bowler is suddenly a name to watch as quarterback-needy teams look to solidify their depth charts.
But there’s a wrinkle - Carr is still under contract with the New Orleans Saints. So if he does decide to return, and it’s not with New Orleans - which seems unlikely given the presence of Tyler Shough - the Saints would need to trade him. That’s a logistical hurdle, but not an impossible one.
So where could Carr land if he does return?
Let’s start with the Kansas City Chiefs. On the surface, it sounds like a long shot.
Patrick Mahomes is the face of the franchise and arguably the best quarterback in football. But Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL suffered in December, and while he’s targeting a Week 1 return, the timeline is tight.
If the Chiefs want to be cautious - and who could blame them - bringing in a proven veteran like Carr could be a smart insurance policy. He wouldn’t be coming in to take Mahomes’ job, but he could be a steady hand to guide the offense if Mahomes isn’t quite ready out of the gate.
And for Carr, the chance to contribute to a Super Bowl-caliber roster - even in a backup or short-term role - could be enticing.
Then there’s Minnesota. If we’re talking about realistic fits, this one might top the list.
The Vikings are expected to add a veteran quarterback to their room, and Carr checks a lot of boxes. He’s experienced, he’s a leader, and he still has something left in the tank.
Minnesota is grooming J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback of the future, but having someone like Carr to compete with him - or mentor him - makes a ton of sense.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell is known for his work with quarterbacks, and Carr could thrive in that kind of system. Plus, if McCarthy isn’t ready to take the reins right away, Carr could step in and keep the offense moving.
As for a potential reunion with the Las Vegas Raiders? That’s a hard no.
The breakup between Carr and the Raiders was messy, and while the organization is under new leadership - with Tom Brady now part of the ownership group - the team is widely expected to use the No. 1 overall pick on Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. All signs point to Mendoza starting from Day 1, and Carr likely isn’t interested in being a placeholder or mentor in a place where the scars from his exit are still fresh.
So where does that leave us?
If Carr returns, it’ll be because the situation is right - not just financially or competitively, but personally. He’s not coming back to ride the bench or hold a clipboard.
He wants to play meaningful football. Minnesota feels like the most natural fit, both in terms of opportunity and coaching.
Kansas City is intriguing, especially if Mahomes’ recovery timeline gets murky. But don’t expect a surprise twist with the Raiders - that ship has sailed.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But with free agency approaching and quarterback dominoes about to start falling, don’t be surprised if Derek Carr’s name starts popping up in some interesting conversations.