Could Derek Carr Still Have Something Left in the Tank? A Closer Look at His Potential NFL Return
The New Orleans Saints weren’t supposed to have a quarterback question heading into the 2026 offseason. After all, Tyler Shough answered that call - loudly.
The rookie capped off his first NFL campaign by winning the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year award and leading the Saints to four wins in their final five games. That kind of finish doesn’t just earn headlines - it earns trust.
Shough looked like the guy.
But now, there’s a twist.
Derek Carr, the veteran quarterback who stepped away from the game, is reportedly considering an NFL return. And while the Saints likely aren't planning to reinsert Carr as their starter with Shough on the rise, the possibility of a comeback - whether in New Orleans or elsewhere - is enough to raise a few eyebrows across the league.
So, what would a Derek Carr return actually look like?
Let’s start with the body of work. Carr has put together a strong résumé over 11 NFL seasons, throwing for over 41,000 yards and 257 touchdowns.
That’s not just longevity - that’s legitimate production, and it didn’t stop when he left the Raiders. In his two seasons with the Saints, Carr posted a 68.2% completion rate, 6,023 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and just 13 interceptions across 27 games.
That’s efficiency, even if the team results didn’t always reflect it.
The issue wasn’t performance - it was health. A shoulder injury derailed his second season in New Orleans and ultimately led to his decision to step away.
But if that shoulder is now fully healed? That opens the door for a very real conversation about what Carr could still offer an NFL team.
And here’s the thing: Carr has spent most of his career doing more with less. His 77-92 record as a starter doesn’t scream “elite,” but context matters.
He’s played behind inconsistent offensive lines, with rotating coaching staffs, and on teams that often lacked a complete roster. Through it all, he’s remained a steady presence under center - a quarterback who can run an offense, make the right reads, and deliver the ball with timing and accuracy.
Of course, coming back after stepping away is no small task. The speed of the game doesn’t slow down for anyone, and even the most seasoned veterans need time to adjust.
We’ve seen examples of successful returns - think Philip Rivers - but there are no guarantees. Carr would need to prove, quickly, that he can still process defenses, move within the pocket, and make the throws that once made him a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback.
Physically, there’s reason for optimism. Carr hasn’t been out of the league long, and by all accounts, he’s kept himself in shape. If the shoulder holds up, there’s a path back - even if it’s not in New Orleans.
Because let’s be honest: the Saints have moved forward. Tyler Shough’s emergence changed the outlook for this franchise.
He’s young, confident, and already showing signs of being the long-term answer. Even if Carr returns and plays well elsewhere, it’s hard to imagine New Orleans second-guessing the direction they’ve taken.
Still, Carr’s potential return adds an intriguing wrinkle to the quarterback landscape. Teams in need of a veteran presence - someone who can stabilize an offense and bring leadership to the locker room - will be watching closely.
Derek Carr hasn’t made a decision yet. But if he does choose to return, don’t be surprised if he makes things interesting in a league that never stops evolving.