The Miami Dolphins are heading into one of the most intriguing offseasons in the NFL-not because they’re flush with cap space or sitting pretty atop the draft board, but because of the sheer number of directions they could go. With a new general manager in Jon-Eric Sullivan and fresh head coach Jeff Hafley calling the shots, Miami’s front office has the keys to a “choose-your-own-adventure” offseason.
And at the center of it all? The future of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
If the Dolphins decide to move on from Tua, the quarterback carousel could take an unexpected turn. One name that’s suddenly back in the conversation: Derek Carr.
Derek Carr Open to NFL Return-Could Miami Be the Fit?
Yes, that Derek Carr. The four-time Pro Bowler who retired after a shoulder injury cut short his 2024 season is reportedly open to a comeback-if the right opportunity presents itself.
According to multiple league insiders, Carr has been on the radar of several teams as quarterback injuries piled up late in the season and into the playoffs. While he’s been enjoying retirement and quality time with his family, sources say Carr is healthy and throwing without restrictions.
That’s a big development, especially for a team like Miami that may be in the market for a veteran bridge quarterback. Carr wouldn’t be coming in as a long-term solution, but as a stabilizing presence while the franchise figures out its next big move under center? That could make a lot of sense.
What It Would Take to Bring Carr to South Beach
First, let’s talk logistics. Carr’s rights are still owned by the New Orleans Saints, so any team interested would need to trade for him.
But don’t expect the price to be steep. The Saints don’t have much leverage-Carr isn’t playing for them again, especially with Tyler Shough emerging as their future at the position.
For the Dolphins, this is where things get interesting. Sullivan has three third-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That kind of draft capital gives Miami flexibility, and it wouldn’t take much to pry Carr away. A fifth-rounder?
Maybe even a seventh? That’s a bargain for a quarterback with Carr’s résumé, especially if the contract is team-friendly.
And let’s not forget Sullivan and Hafley’s Green Bay roots. They come from a front office culture that prioritizes drafting, developing, and retaining talent.
Trading down from one of those third-rounders to recoup a fifth and then flipping that for Carr? That’s the kind of roster-building savvy they’re bringing to Miami.
Scheme Fit and Supporting Cast
If Carr is going to come back, it’s got to be the right system. Miami might just check that box.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik runs a West Coast-style offense with heavy Shanahan influence-think timing, rhythm, play-action, and quick reads. That’s a system Carr has thrived in before, most recently during a short-lived but promising 2024 stint under Klint Kubiak in New Orleans.
Carr was sharp in those early games before injuries derailed the Saints’ season.
And while Kubiak is now the head coach in Las Vegas-where Carr spent the bulk of his career-the Raiders are expected to take Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. That likely rules out a reunion in the desert.
Miami, meanwhile, offers a compelling setup. De’Von Achane brings explosive speed out of the backfield.
Jaylen Waddle is a game-breaking weapon in the slot. The offensive line, anchored by center Aaron Brewer and left tackle Patrick Paul, has quietly become a solid unit.
If Carr’s looking for a place where he can step in, start, and not get pummeled every Sunday, the Dolphins offer that.
What’s Carr Looking For?
That’s the million-dollar question. If Carr’s priority is joining a surefire contender, Miami’s current playoff outlook may not be enough.
But if he’s looking for a chance to start, prove he’s still got it, and maybe mentor a young QB along the way? The Dolphins offer a soft landing and a clear path to the field.
And the numbers from Carr’s last stretch as a starter? They speak for themselves: 67.7% completion rate, 7.7 yards per attempt, 15 touchdowns to just five interceptions, and a 101.0 passer rating over his final 10 games. That’s not just serviceable-that’s efficient, veteran-level quarterbacking.
The Bottom Line
For a team like Miami, navigating a tight cap situation and a potential quarterback reset, Carr presents an intriguing option. He’s not a long-term answer, but he could be the bridge to whatever comes next. And with the Dolphins' surplus of draft capital, the cost to acquire him wouldn’t break the bank.
This offseason is all about flexibility for Miami. Derek Carr might not be the flashiest move, but he could be the smartest one-especially if the Dolphins want to stay competitive while mapping out their future under center.