Derek Carr Comeback? What a Potential Return Could Mean for the Saints
Derek Carr walking back into the NFL spotlight wasn't on many offseason bingo cards, but here we are. After stepping away from the game last year due to a shoulder injury that limited his ability to throw with any real velocity or consistency, Carr is reportedly healthy again - and that’s quietly turned him into one of the more intriguing names on the quarterback market.
Now, let’s be clear: Saints fans aren’t necessarily itching to see Carr under center again - at least not in black and gold. But if the veteran QB does return to the league, New Orleans could end up reaping the benefits in a different way: compensation.
Carr, still just 34, could offer a steady veteran presence to a team that feels it’s a quarterback away from making a serious playoff push. And with multiple franchises still trying to figure out their long-term plans under center, there’s a real chance Carr finds a new home - and the Saints get something tangible in return.
Let’s break down what that might look like.
What Could a Derek Carr Trade Look Like?
The Saints aren’t exactly flush with cap space, and moving Carr - if he’s healthy and willing - could net them some valuable draft capital. Here are a few hypothetical trade packages that could be in play:
Vikings
- Saints receive: Pick No. 97 (3rd-round compensatory)
- Vikings receive: Derek Carr, Pick No. 189 (6th round)
Minnesota’s quarterback situation remains fluid, and adding Carr could give them a reliable bridge option while they develop a younger arm. For the Saints, jumping into the third round with an extra pick is no small gain.
Jets
- Saints receive: Pick No. 103 (4th round), Pick No. 206 (6th round)
- Jets receive: Derek Carr
If the Jets are looking to solidify their backup plan behind an aging starter or want a veteran with starting experience, Carr fits the bill. New Orleans, meanwhile, adds more mid-round ammo.
Cardinals
- Saints receive: Pick No. 104 (4th round), Pick No. 181 (6th round)
- Cardinals receive: Derek Carr
Arizona’s quarterback situation has been anything but stable in recent years. Carr could offer a short-term solution while they sort out the future. For the Saints, it’s another chance to add depth to a draft class.
Colts
- Saints receive: Pick No. 113 (4th round), Pick No. 154 (5th round)
- Colts receive: Derek Carr
The Colts could be in the market for a veteran to mentor a young quarterback or provide insurance. New Orleans would gain two solid picks in return.
Raiders
- Saints receive: Pick No. 102 (4th round), Pick No. 219 (7th round)
- Raiders receive: Derek Carr
A reunion in Vegas? Stranger things have happened.
The Raiders are still in quarterback limbo, and Carr knows the organization well. The Saints would walk away with a top-of-the-fourth pick and a late flier.
Why This Matters for the Saints
The Saints have already done some solid work in the draft capital department. They’ve secured two mid-round picks thanks to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed’s emergence and another from the departure of cornerback Paulson Adebo. Add in a potential Carr trade, and they could be looking at a total of eight picks in the 2026 NFL Draft - including one inside the top 10.
That kind of draft flexibility gives New Orleans a real shot at retooling the roster with young, cost-controlled talent. Whether it’s addressing the offensive line, adding depth at receiver, or finding their next defensive playmaker, more picks mean more opportunities to hit.
And if they can turn a quarterback who was essentially out of the league a year ago into meaningful draft capital? That’s just good business.
Final Thoughts
Derek Carr’s potential return is still up in the air, but it’s a storyline worth watching - especially in New Orleans. If a team sees Carr as the missing piece and is willing to part with mid-round picks to get him, the Saints could walk away as quiet winners of the offseason.
For a franchise looking to build something sustainable, every draft pick counts. And in this case, Carr’s comeback might just help the Saints take their next step forward - even if he’s doing it in a different jersey.