The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a new era, and it starts with a familiar name on the sidelines-Klint Kubiak. The former Seahawks offensive coordinator is taking over as head coach, bringing with him a reputation for quarterback-friendly schemes and creative offensive play design. But while Kubiak’s arrival has sparked some buzz about a potential reunion with Derek Carr, the reality in Vegas points in a very different direction.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Carr and Kubiak last crossed paths during the 2024 NFL season-Carr’s final year in the league.
Under Kubiak’s offensive guidance, Carr posted a QBR of 60.2, the third-highest of his career. That early stretch of the season was electric.
The Saints came out swinging, outscoring their opponents 91-29 over the first two weeks. It was the kind of offensive rhythm that makes you wonder, *what if they had more time together?
That question is now hanging over Las Vegas, with Carr’s name being floated in connection to the Raiders once again-this time by his brother David. The idea of a Saints-style reunion in Sin City has some nostalgic appeal. But there’s one major obstacle standing in the way: Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion out of Indiana, is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft. And with the Raiders finishing the 2025 season at 3-14-the worst record in the league-they’ve got pole position to make that happen. All signs point to Mendoza being the next face of the franchise.
That alone essentially closes the door on a Carr comeback in silver and black. Carr has been clear in the past about what kind of situation he’d consider for a return.
He wants to be the starter, the guy, not a backup or a mentor. A team handing the keys to a top overall pick like Mendoza?
That’s not the role Carr envisions for himself.
Even if the Raiders were tempted to entertain a reunion, the logistics don’t make much sense. Las Vegas holds 10 picks in the 2026 draft, but seven of those are on Day 3. That’s the kind of draft capital the Saints might ask for in a trade, but it’s hardly a compelling package-especially when the Raiders already have their quarterback of the future lined up.
So while the Kubiak-Carr connection makes for an intriguing storyline, it’s not one that’s likely to play out in Vegas. The Raiders are building something new, and it starts with a young quarterback who just led his college team to the mountaintop. Carr’s chapter in the NFL might not be completely closed, but if he does return, it won’t be in silver and black.