The Las Vegas Raiders are once again at a crossroads. After a turbulent 2025 season that saw high hopes dashed and quick changes made, the franchise is resetting-again.
The Pete Carroll experiment lasted just one season. Brought in to stabilize and elevate the team, Carroll couldn’t deliver the turnaround ownership was hoping for, and the Raiders moved on swiftly.
Along with Carroll came quarterback Geno Smith, but that reunion didn’t spark the magic it once had in Seattle. Smith struggled to find rhythm or results in silver and black, and now the Raiders are expected to move on from him ahead of the 2026 season.
That leaves Las Vegas in familiar territory: searching for a new identity. But this time, the pieces may already be coming together.
The Raiders are expected to hire Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, as their new head coach. Kubiak, known for his quarterback-friendly schemes and West Coast roots, could be the fresh voice this offense needs.
And with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Raiders have a golden opportunity to reshape the future-possibly by selecting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a name that's been gaining momentum in league circles.
But just as the Raiders begin to sketch out their next chapter, a familiar name has re-entered the NFL conversation: Derek Carr.
Carr, the longtime face of the Raiders franchise, retired last offseason after a shoulder injury derailed his stint with the New Orleans Saints. It looked like the end of the road for the four-time Pro Bowler, who spent nine seasons with the Raiders after being drafted in 2014. Carr was a steady presence through years of chaos, coaching changes, and relocations, helping keep the team competitive even when the odds weren’t in their favor.
Now, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Carr is considering a return to the league. The key?
Finding the right situation-a team with a strong roster and a coaching staff he trusts. Carr is reportedly healthy again following shoulder surgery, and while he hasn’t made anything official, the door is clearly open.
The Raiders, despite their history with Carr, are not expected to be in the mix. With the franchise eyeing a young quarterback to build around, a reunion doesn’t appear to be on the table. Carr himself has joked about a comeback, but Las Vegas seems focused on turning the page.
Still, there are teams around the league that could be very interested. The Arizona Cardinals could use depth and leadership at quarterback.
The Miami Dolphins have looming questions at the position. And the Minnesota Vikings might be in the market for a veteran presence.
Carr is still under contract with the Saints, but with New Orleans reportedly no longer viewing him as part of their long-term plans, a move could be possible if the right opportunity arises.
Carr’s potential return adds an intriguing wrinkle to an already unpredictable offseason. If he finds the right fit, the 2026 season could mark an unexpected second act for a quarterback who’s already seen-and weathered-a lot in this league.