Could Derek Carr Be the Steelers' Backup Plan at Quarterback?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era - and possibly, a new quarterback search. With longtime head coach Mike Tomlin stepping away after nearly two decades, and Mike McCarthy stepping in, the Steelers are facing one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory.
At the top of the quarterback conversation is Aaron Rodgers. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is reportedly still the Steelers’ preferred option under center for 2026.
McCarthy, who coached Rodgers during their Super Bowl-winning run in Green Bay, is expected to push hard to bring him back for another go. But let’s be real - at Rodgers’ age, nothing is guaranteed.
If he decides to hang it up, Pittsburgh will need a Plan B.
Enter Derek Carr.
According to oddsmakers at Bookies.com, the Steelers are the current favorites to land Carr if he decides to come out of retirement, with an 18.2% chance of making it happen. That’s not just idle speculation - there’s some logic behind the connection.
Carr, 34, retired from the NFL last spring following a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. The injury didn’t require surgery, but it was serious enough to sideline him for the entire 2025 season had he opted to go under the knife. Instead, Carr stepped away - but not necessarily for good.
In a recent appearance on the Home Grown podcast with his brother David, Carr made it clear he hasn’t closed the door on a return.
“Would I do it? Yes.
Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not,” Carr said.
“I have to be healthy, and I’d want a chance to win a Super Bowl. And obviously, that’s a tough thing to find.”
That’s where Pittsburgh comes in. Despite recent playoff frustrations, the Steelers remain one of the NFL’s more stable franchises.
They’ve got a strong defense, a solid offensive line, and a culture that consistently keeps them in the postseason mix. For a veteran like Carr, who’s yet to make a serious playoff run in his career, that kind of opportunity could be exactly what he’s looking for.
Now, the big question: What would Carr even look like after a year off?
Before his injury-shortened 2024 season with the Saints, Carr posted 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 10 games. Not eye-popping numbers, but solid - especially considering he was playing through a shoulder injury that eventually ended his season. If healthy, Carr could still be a serviceable starter, especially in a system that doesn’t ask him to carry the entire offense.
And remember, this is a guy with over 41,000 career passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and four Pro Bowl selections. He’s not a long-term solution, but he could be a steady hand on the wheel if Rodgers decides to retire or if the Steelers want a veteran presence while grooming a younger quarterback.
The Steelers have questions to answer this offseason - and it all starts at quarterback. Whether it’s Rodgers, Carr, or someone else entirely, Pittsburgh’s next move under center could define the early McCarthy era.
One thing’s for sure: the Steelers aren’t standing still. And if Carr’s serious about chasing a ring, Pittsburgh might just be the right place at the right time.