Derek Carr is back in the spotlight, ready to shake up the NFL landscape once again. After a brief retirement to heal a troublesome throwing shoulder, the four-time Pro Bowler is set to return for the 2026 season.
His decision to step away last May was driven by a need to address a labral tear and rotator cuff damage. Instead of opting for surgery that would have sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, Carr chose to rest and rebuild.
Now, he's reportedly in top form, with his arm strength matching the best years of his career.
Carr spent the last few months honing his skills in Southern California with specialized throwing coaches. The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, indicating that his arm velocity is back to Pro Bowl levels. With a career boasting over 41,000 passing yards and 257 touchdowns, Carr instantly becomes a hot commodity in a sparse 2026 free-agent market.
The buzz around recent NFL scouting events has been palpable, especially with the news of Carr's return. Teams previously facing a lackluster draft class now have the option of a seasoned veteran.
Carr isn’t just looking to play; he's aiming for a championship. He's already declined offers from teams he doesn't see as contenders, making it clear that he’s in it for the right opportunity.
Carr expressed his readiness on the ‘Home Grown’ Podcast, stating, “If the right situation and the right coaching staff are there, I’m ready. My shoulder feels the best it has since 2016. The fire is back.”
However, Carr's path back to the field involves a few hurdles. Since he retired while under contract, the New Orleans Saints still hold his rights, meaning a trade is necessary. General Manager Mickey Loomis is unlikely to obstruct Carr's return, but a mid-to-late round draft pick will likely be the asking price.
The Pittsburgh Steelers emerge as a leading contender for Carr’s services. Head Coach Mike McCarthy is in need of a seasoned quarterback to lead a run-focused offense, especially with the AFC North standings in flux.
Another intriguing possibility is a return to the Las Vegas Raiders. With the Raiders expected to draft Indiana's Fernando Mendoza as the No. 1 overall pick, Carr could serve as a valuable mentor, familiar with the team's culture and expectations.
If a deal isn't finalized by the draft in April, a post-June 1st trade could be on the table to optimize cap space for all involved parties. Carr’s comeback is set to be one of the most exciting narratives of the 2026 NFL season, with plenty of teams eager to see if he can lead them to glory.