Derek Carr Leaving the Door Open: Could a Comeback Be in Play?
Derek Carr might have stepped away from the NFL last year, but don’t mistake that for a closed chapter. The 34-year-old quarterback, who retired last May due to a labral tear in his shoulder and rotator cuff damage, is reportedly open to a return - if the right situation presents itself.
And by “right situation,” Carr isn’t just looking for any open quarterback job. According to reports, he’s eyeing a team with the right fit and coaching staff, suggesting that while he's healed, he’s not looking to jump back in without careful consideration. As he said back in September on The Dan Patrick Show, “Never say never… because I’ve learned that when I say never, it usually happens.”
That sentiment seems to be aging well.
Why Carr Still Has Options
Even after announcing his retirement, Carr didn’t fade from the radar. Teams were still making calls - including the Cincinnati Bengals, who lost Joe Burrow early in the season and briefly weighed their options before ultimately signing veteran Joe Flacco. That decision closed the door on a potential Carr return at the time, but it showed there’s still a market for a proven, experienced signal-caller.
Carr may be healthy now, but his path back to the field is complicated by contract logistics. He remains under contract with the New Orleans Saints, who turned to rookie Tyler Shough last season. While it’s believed Carr and the Saints could come to terms on a resolution, any return would need to navigate that relationship first.
A Familiar Face in a Familiar Place?
One potential landing spot that makes sense on multiple levels: Las Vegas.
Carr spent nine seasons as the face of the Raiders franchise, leading the team through its transition from Oakland to Las Vegas and throwing for over 41,000 yards and 257 touchdowns in 169 games. Now, there’s a chance the Raiders could come calling again - and the dots connect intriguingly.
Klint Kubiak, Carr’s offensive coordinator with the Saints in 2024, is expected to become the Raiders’ next head coach after the Super Bowl. That familiarity could be a key factor if the Raiders want a veteran presence to bridge the gap while developing their future.
The team holds the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. But a rookie quarterback often benefits from a seasoned leader in the room - and few would fit that bill better than Carr.
What Carr Brings to the Table
Carr’s career numbers speak for themselves. Drafted in the second round in 2014 out of Fresno State, he carved out a reputation as a steady, productive quarterback who could sling it with the best of them. His 41,245 passing yards and 257 touchdowns place him among the most prolific passers of his era, and his leadership - both on and off the field - was a constant during his time with the Raiders.
While he never got the postseason success he or the Raiders hoped for, Carr’s toughness, locker room presence, and ability to command an offense have never been in question. If he’s healthy - and all signs point to that being the case - there’s little doubt he could still contribute.
The Bottom Line
Derek Carr isn’t rushing back. He’s not chasing headlines or forcing a comeback. But if the right opportunity knocks - with a coaching staff he trusts and a roster that makes sense - don’t be surprised if he answers.
At 34, he still has gas in the tank and a deep understanding of the league. And for a team looking for a veteran presence, a bridge quarterback, or even a steady starter with playoff aspirations, Carr just might be the best option still out there - even if he’s technically retired.
So, is Derek Carr done with football? Not quite. And in this league, "never say never" might just be the most accurate scouting report of all.