The buzz surrounding Derek Carr's potential return to the NFL in 2026 is growing louder by the day. After taking a surprising hiatus in 2025, leaving the Saints and fans in shock, it seems Carr's passion for the game has reignited. He's reportedly eyeing a comeback with a team ready to contend.
If Carr does make his return, the Minnesota Vikings seem like the perfect fit. The Vikings are in a bit of a quarterback conundrum after a challenging 2025 season.
JJ McCarthy's struggles, compounded by injuries, left the team in a tough spot, especially after watching Sam Darnold, their former QB, lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. This turn of events even led to the firing of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Now, the Vikings are on the hunt for a veteran quarterback, and Derek Carr could be the answer. Imagine Carr stepping into a QB-friendly system with Justin Jefferson, arguably the league's top wide receiver, as his primary target.
Just two seasons ago, the Vikings were a 14-win team, and despite their quarterback issues in 2025, they still managed to notch nine victories. With Kevin O'Connell at the helm, they know they're just a solid quarterback away from being serious contenders in the NFC.
While Carr might not be a long-term solution, he could offer the Vikings their best shot at success in 2026. Coach Kevin O'Connell's recent comments at the Scouting Combine hinted at the uncertainty surrounding McCarthy's future as the franchise QB.
“A lot of those feelings are still the same. It's just the timeline is in a different place for all of us than it was (in 2024),” O'Connell remarked.
By year three, a team typically wants clarity on their quarterback's franchise potential. The Vikings, along with the Falcons, are still searching for answers from the 2024 quarterback class. In contrast, teams like the Bears, Commanders, Patriots, and Broncos have already seen their young QBs lead deep playoff runs, solidifying their roles as franchise leaders.
The Vikings are in need of a short-term solution, and Derek Carr might just be the perfect fit for 2026.