Derek Carr-to-Miami? Why the Dolphins Are Suddenly in the QB Rumor Mill Again
It’s February, but the NFL quarterback carousel doesn’t take an offseason. The latest name back in the headlines?
Derek Carr. Yes, that Derek Carr - the former Raiders and Saints signal-caller who stepped away from the game - is now being linked to a potential return, and the Miami Dolphins are reportedly in the mix.
Let’s unpack what’s going on here, what it could mean for the Dolphins, the Saints, and the ever-evolving quarterback landscape across the league.
Carr Considering a Comeback - But Only on His Terms
First things first: Carr hasn’t officially unretired. But he hasn’t slammed the door shut, either. In fact, he’s been quoted as saying he’d “never say never” to returning, and that’s all it takes to get the rumor mill spinning.
The key here is that Carr isn’t looking to just jump back into any situation. He wants the right fit - a team with structure, a real shot at contending, and a system that suits his skill set.
That narrows the field significantly. But according to league chatter, Miami checks a lot of those boxes.
Why the Dolphins Make Sense
On paper, Miami might seem like an odd landing spot. Tua Tagovailoa just led the league in passing yards and helped the Dolphins to a playoff berth. But the NFL is a business, and Miami’s front office has never been shy about exploring options at quarterback - remember the Deshaun Watson rumors from a couple years back?
Carr brings experience, leadership, and a steady hand. If Miami’s brass is concerned about long-term durability at the position or wants a veteran presence behind Tua, Carr could be an intriguing option. And if - if - there’s any doubt about Tua’s future as the franchise guy, a move for Carr becomes even more interesting.
Other Teams Have Already Kicked the Tires
Miami isn’t the only team that’s done its homework. According to reports, multiple franchises quietly reached out to gauge Carr’s interest once injuries started thinning QB depth charts around the league.
One of those teams? The Cincinnati Bengals, who reportedly checked in after Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury.
That tells us two things: 1) Carr’s name still carries weight in front offices, and 2) teams believe he’s healthy enough to contribute right away. That alone makes this more than just a speculative headline.
What This Means for the Saints
If Carr does decide to return, and if the Dolphins (or another team) want to make a move, the Saints still hold his rights. That means a trade would be necessary - and New Orleans would have some leverage.
The Saints are in the middle of a quarterback transition themselves, so moving Carr’s rights could free up some flexibility, whether that’s in draft capital or cap space. It also opens the door for them to further commit to their current direction at the position, whatever that ends up being.
The Bigger Picture: QB Market Watch
This situation is a microcosm of the larger quarterback market right now. Teams are always on the lookout for stability at the most important position in football. And with injuries and inconsistency becoming more common, even retired veterans like Carr can suddenly become hot commodities.
Whether Carr ends up in Miami or somewhere else, this storyline is worth tracking. Because when a proven starter with playoff experience hints at returning, the ripple effects can be felt across the league.
So, is this smoke or fire? Time will tell. But one thing’s clear: Derek Carr isn’t done making headlines just yet.