Derek Carr to Miami? Why the Dolphins Are Suddenly in the Quarterback Trade Conversation
The NFL offseason rumor mill is already heating up, and one name making a surprising return to the spotlight is Derek Carr. After stepping away from the game, the former Saints quarterback is reportedly open to a comeback-but only under the right circumstances. And now, the Miami Dolphins are being mentioned as a potential landing spot.
Let’s break down what this could mean for Miami, New Orleans, and the broader quarterback market.
Carr’s Comeback? Only If the Fit Is Right
Derek Carr hasn’t officially declared a return, but he hasn’t ruled it out either. His “never say never” stance has opened the door just enough for teams to take a peek. According to league insiders, several franchises have quietly checked in on Carr’s availability, especially once quarterback injuries started stacking up late in the season.
Carr’s camp has made it clear: he’s not coming back for just any opportunity. It would have to be a perfect fit-both in terms of scheme and situation. That’s where the Dolphins enter the picture.
Why Miami?
Miami’s connection to Carr isn’t coming out of nowhere. With Tua Tagovailoa’s future still a topic of debate-contractually and otherwise-the Dolphins are at an inflection point.
They’ve built a roster ready to win now. If there’s any hesitation about long-term durability or playoff ceiling at quarterback, a veteran like Carr could be seen as a stabilizing force.
Joe Rivera of USA Today reports that Miami could become a serious option if Carr officially decides to return. That’s a big “if,” but it’s enough to get the league talking.
Carr’s experience, leadership, and ability to run a high-tempo offense could mesh well with Mike McDaniel’s system. He’s not the most mobile QB, but he’s smart with the football and has proven he can thrive when protected and given weapons-something Miami has in abundance.
Saints’ Angle: What Happens If Carr Is Moved?
If Carr does come back and a trade materializes, the Saints would be in an interesting spot. They’ve already been in transition mode, and moving Carr would leave them with a significant decision to make at quarterback.
Would they lean into a rebuild? Chase a younger option? Or perhaps pivot to another veteran on the market?
Carr’s contract and retirement status complicate matters, but if a team like Miami makes a serious push, the Saints would have to weigh the benefits of moving on-especially if draft compensation or cap relief is involved.
Other Teams Have Sniffed Around
Miami isn’t alone in this. The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly reached out when Joe Burrow went down with a turf toe injury late in the season. That was part of a broader wave of interest from teams doing their due diligence on Carr’s health and mindset.
By all accounts, Carr is healthy now. The question is whether he’s ready to commit to the grind of another NFL season-and if any team can offer the kind of situation he’s looking for.
What It Means for the QB Market
If Carr does return and gets traded, it could send ripples through the quarterback landscape. A move to Miami would immediately raise questions about Tua’s future. It would also signal that the Dolphins are in win-now mode and willing to make bold moves to get over the hump.
For the Saints, it could accelerate a shift toward a new era. And for the rest of the league, it’s a reminder that the quarterback carousel never really stops spinning.
Carr might not be the flashiest name on the board, but his potential return adds another layer of intrigue to what’s already shaping up to be an unpredictable offseason.