The Pittsburgh Steelers are keeping their options open for a potential reunion with quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he approaches his 43rd year. Yet, the team seems ready to explore other avenues, making the latest buzz around Derek Carr particularly intriguing.
Carr stepped away from the game last offseason due to a shoulder injury, with his rights still held by the New Orleans Saints. Despite this, the veteran quarterback is reportedly eager for a comeback, offering the Steelers a viable Plan B to Rodgers.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, there's a strong belief that Carr is serious about returning after sitting out the 2025 season. Teams with championship aspirations, a description that fits the Steelers, are said to have genuine interest.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II, following the departure of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, emphasized the team's commitment to competing for a championship every year. This aligns with Carr's own statements about returning if healthy and given a shot at a Super Bowl. The Steelers, with their experienced roster, are arguably the closest QB-needy team to contention, making Carr a potential fit if Rodgers isn't in the picture.
Carr, who turns 35 on March 28, has been hinting at a return. He didn't dismiss the idea back in September, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Cincinnati Bengals inquired about his status before opting for Joe Flacco in October.
By February, Rapoport indicated that the right situation and coaching staff could entice Carr back into action. Whether the Steelers, now led by Mike McCarthy, meet those criteria remains to be seen. However, Pittsburgh isn't keen on waiting indefinitely for Rodgers and now has another option to consider.
In his last active season in 2024, Carr completed 67.7% of his passes, throwing for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions over 10 games.