Less than a year ago, Derek Carr, a former Pro Bowl quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, announced his retirement from the NFL due to persistent injury concerns. Now, reports suggest Carr is considering a possible return to professional football if the right opportunity arises, potentially reigniting his NFL career with the Saints or another team.
Insiders Weigh in on Carr’s Possible Return
According to Mike Garofolo, Tom Pelissero, and Ian Rapoport, Carr has not completely closed the door on returning to the league. While he is currently not actively pursuing a comeback, sources note that Carr has enjoyed his time away from football, focusing on family and personal projects. Still, the former Saints quarterback remains open to rejoining the NFL if a favorable situation and coaching staff present themselves.
Carr doesn’t seem to be actively chasing a return to the NFL,
the report said.
He’s indicated he has enjoyed spending time with family and taking on various projects. But he surely knows the interest is there and sources have said the right situation and coaching staff could lure Carr back onto the field.
?Report, Mike Garofolo, Tom Pelissero, and Ian Rapoport
Potential Benefits for the Saints if Carr Returns
If Derek Carr were to end his retirement this offseason, it could provide the Saints with valuable options at quarterback. Though the team is currently assessing Tyler Shough as a potential starter, Carr’s presence could add depth or serve as a trade asset. Even a minor trade return for Carr would be beneficial to the Saints during their rebuilding phase and could help strengthen their roster moving forward.
Progress in Carr’s Injury Recovery
One key factor that could influence Carr’s decision is his shoulder rehabilitation, which has reportedly gone well. After taking extended rest to recover, Carr has resumed throwing as part of his routine and shows no current limitations on his throwing arm. This progress indicates a positive outlook for his physical readiness to play again.
Since then, Carr took several months off to rest, and sources say his shoulder has responded well, leading Carr to slowly begin rehabbing as the season unfolded. His shoulder has now improved to the point where he is throwing fully as part of his regular exercise routine. Teams have learned Carr currently has no shoulder limitations.
?Report, sources
Last NFL Season Performance and Outlook
During the 2023 season with the Saints, Derek Carr demonstrated solid performance by throwing for 3,878 yards and 25 touchdowns against eight interceptions across all 17 games. Despite being retired last season, Carr was among the former quarterbacks contacted by NFL teams facing injury challenges at the position, underscoring the ongoing interest in his abilities.
What Lies Ahead for Carr and the Saints
Though Derek Carr remains uncertain about returning, the combination of a successful recovery and ongoing interest from teams keeps the possibility alive. For the Saints, having Carr back—even temporarily—could influence their quarterback situation and assist their rebuilding efforts. As offseason discussions progress, fans and analysts alike will watch closely for any signs that Carr might once again take the field.
