Derek Carr, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback who retired last offseason after 11 NFL seasons, has left the door open for a potential return to the league. The 34-year-old signal-caller, most recently with the New Orleans Saints, stepped away due to a serious throwing shoulder injury that threatened to sideline him for the entire 2025 season. Despite his retirement, interest remains from NFL teams seeking quarterback depth given the limited options during free agency and the draft.
Teams Continuing to Monitor Carr’s Status Amid Quarterback Shortage
This past season, several NFL teams conducted thorough evaluations of Carr as injuries to starting quarterbacks mounted across the league. The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly contacted him following Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury in Week 2. According to NFL Media, his availability remains a topic of discussion among teams looking for veteran options, as his recovery progresses and no restrictions on his throwing capacity have been reported.
Carr’s Cautious Optimism About Returning to Football
In a September interview with Dan Patrick, Carr expressed mixed feelings about coming out of retirement but emphasized that he is still training and preparing his body.
I wouldn’t say, no, never, because I’ve learned that when I say never, it usually happens,
Carr said.
“I think we’ve all probably learned that. So for me, right now, I’m training because I love to train, like, that’s gonna be the rest of my life. I love to train. I throw a football every now and then out in the front with my kids and with my buddy, you know, for fun, because it’s part of my rehab still for my shoulder. You know, I’m still just trying to get that back right from getting the shot and doing the rehab and all that.”
He added further clarity on his stance regarding a return this season:
And so I’m still doing those things. And so I always felt like, even though I’m done, if God wanted me to do it, I’ve got to be ready. I don’t want to go out there and not be ready, you know. So I’ll be ready, but I’m not coming back. Like, right now, today, I’m not coming back.
Obstacles and Team Considerations for a Possible Return
Any interested team would need to address multiple challenges before signing Carr. The primary concern remains his recovery from a labral tear in his throwing shoulder, accompanied by considerable degenerative changes to the rotator cuff. While his rehabilitation appears successful—NFL Media reports no current throwing limitations—readiness will be paramount.
The New Orleans Saints still retain Carr’s rights, meaning a club seeking to add him would need to negotiate a trade. After selecting Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist Tyler Shough in the 2025 NFL Draft’s second round, the Saints appear poised to move forward with their new quarterback, potentially making Carr available for a trade.
Reviewing Carr’s Recent Performance and Career Achievements
In his final season in 2024, Carr started 10 games for the Saints, leading them to all five of their victories while throwing for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Backup quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener combined for seven losses without a win. Over his nine years with the Raiders and two with the Saints, Carr compiled a 77-92 record as a starter, amassed 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions across 169 career games. He left the Raiders holding their all-time franchise record with 35,222 passing yards.
Potential Impact and Next Steps in Carr’s NFL Future
Derek Carr’s openness to a return introduces an intriguing possibility for teams grappling with quarterback issues in the 2025 season. While he currently insists that a comeback is not imminent, his commitment to staying ready indicates he could step back onto the field if the right situation arises. Teams in need of a veteran presence may continue tracking Carr closely, weighing his health and fit, especially given the dearth of quarterback alternatives. As the offseason progresses, Carr’s status will remain a topic of interest for the NFL community watching for veteran opportunities.
