Could Derek Carr Make an NFL Comeback in 2026? Here Are Three Teams That Make Sense
Derek Carr’s retirement last offseason caught just about everyone off guard - including the New Orleans Saints. It forced them into a scramble ahead of the draft, but to their credit, they landed Tyler Shough, who now looks like the guy in New Orleans moving forward. But with whispers swirling that Carr might be eyeing a return to the field in 2026, the question isn’t just if he’ll come back - it’s where he might land if he does.
Carr will be 35 this season, so we’re not talking about a long-term solution here. But for teams in need of a veteran presence under center - someone who can stabilize the offense and maybe even make a postseason push - Carr could be a valuable short-term answer. Let’s take a look at three landing spots that make a lot of sense if Carr decides to unretire.
1. New York Jets: A Familiar Face in a Familiar System
The Jets are in a bit of a quarterback purgatory right now. They hold the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft and also own the No. 16 pick thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade. But despite that draft capital, there’s a growing sense that this class doesn’t offer a clear-cut solution at quarterback - at least not one ready to step in and lead right away.
That’s where Carr could come in.
The Jets don’t want to punt on 2026. After a string of underwhelming seasons, this franchise is desperate to turn the corner.
And Carr brings something the Jets haven’t had in a while: stability. He may not be a long-term fix, but he’s a proven starter who can run an offense efficiently and keep a talented roster competitive.
There’s also a connection worth noting - Bill Musgrave, the Jets' current quarterbacks coach, worked with Carr a decade ago in Oakland. That familiarity could ease the transition and help Carr hit the ground running if he were to land in New York.
2. Minnesota Vikings: A Win-Now Roster That Needs a Steady Hand
If Carr’s looking for a team that’s built to win right away, Minnesota might be the most intriguing option on the board.
Not long ago, the Vikings were riding high with Sam Darnold under center, winning 14 games and looking like legitimate contenders. But after letting Darnold walk - only to watch him lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl - Minnesota found itself on the outside looking in come playoff time.
The fallout was swift. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is out, and while JJ McCarthy remains on the roster, his play last season didn’t exactly cement him as the future of the franchise. If the Vikings are serious about contending in 2026, they may not be able to wait around for McCarthy to develop.
Enter Derek Carr.
He could walk into a situation with a strong supporting cast, a fan base hungry for success, and a front office that needs to make a splash. If Carr can still sling it the way he did in his prime, Minnesota might offer the clearest path to a playoff run - and maybe more.
3. Indianapolis Colts: A Familiar Playbook in a Quarterback-Friendly System
The Colts have made a habit of dipping into the veteran quarterback well in recent years - and it wouldn’t be a shock to see them do it again.
With Daniel Jones dealing with injury concerns and headed for free agency, the Colts could be in the market for a short-term solution at QB. And if Carr is available, he checks a lot of boxes.
Indianapolis has weapons. They’ve got a defense that can hold its own.
And most importantly, they’ve got Shane Steichen - a head coach known for getting the best out of his quarterbacks. Whether it was Justin Herbert in Los Angeles or Jalen Hurts in Philly, Steichen has shown he knows how to build an offense around his QB’s strengths.
For Carr, that could be the perfect scenario. A coach who understands how to tailor a system, a roster that’s ready to compete, and a city that’s already embraced the idea of veteran QBs coming in and getting the job done.
The Bottom Line
Derek Carr’s potential return adds an intriguing wrinkle to the 2026 offseason. He’s not a franchise savior at this stage in his career, but he doesn’t need to be. What he can offer - leadership, consistency, and experience - is exactly what several teams are lacking.
Whether it’s helping the Jets bridge the gap to their next franchise quarterback, giving the Vikings a veteran edge in a tight NFC race, or stepping into a ready-made offense in Indy, Carr has options. And if he’s got the itch to play again, there’s no doubt the NFL will be ready to listen.