Derek Carr Drawing Interest from NFL Teams Amid Retirement - But a Comeback Would Need the Right Fit
Derek Carr may have stepped away from football last May, but his name hasn’t exactly faded from NFL conversations. In fact, teams across the league have quietly been doing their homework on the veteran quarterback - and the door to a return isn’t entirely closed.
According to league sources, multiple franchises reached out during the 2025 season when quarterback injuries began to pile up. One notable inquiry came from the Cincinnati Bengals, who reportedly contacted Carr after Joe Burrow went down with a turf toe injury in September.
The Bengals weren’t alone. As the season wore on and signal-callers across the league dropped like flies, Carr’s name kept surfacing as a potential emergency option.
So why didn’t he return? Timing, health, and situation all played a role.
Carr retired in the offseason following a significant shoulder injury - a labral tear combined with rotator cuff damage. Surgery would’ve put his 2025 season in serious doubt, so instead, he opted for rest and rehab.
And that decision seems to have paid off. Now 34, Carr is said to be throwing again with no limitations.
His shoulder has responded well after several months of focused recovery, and he’s back to a full workout regimen.
Still, a comeback wouldn’t be about just being physically ready. It would have to be the right opportunity - the kind of coaching staff, system, and situation that makes sense for a player who’s already logged 169 career starts and thrown for over 41,000 yards. Carr’s not looking to be a stopgap; he’s looking for a fit.
The New Orleans Saints, who still hold Carr’s rights, would have a say in any potential return. If Carr does decide to come back, the Saints could explore a trade - and they’d likely seek compensation. But with Tyler Shough emerging as the franchise’s quarterback of the future after a strong rookie season, New Orleans appears ready to move forward without Carr under center.
Over his 11-year career with the Raiders and Saints, Carr built a solid résumé: four Pro Bowl appearances, a reputation as a steady leader, and a command of the game that made him a respected presence in any locker room. He’s not the flashiest quarterback, but he’s long been one of the most dependable - the kind of player who can elevate a team with the right pieces around him.
Whether we see Carr back on the field in 2026 remains to be seen. But if the right call comes - from the right team, at the right time - don’t be surprised if No. 4 suits up again.