Less than a year after announcing his retirement in 2025, Derek Carr is reportedly contemplating a comeback to the NFL in 2026. His decision to step away came after a right shoulder injury forced him to end his time with the New Orleans Saints, despite having two seasons remaining on his contract. Carr finished his initial career with impressive numbers, including 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions.
Though no firm decision has been made, sources indicate that Carr could resume playing if the circumstances prove favorable. With a scarcity of quarterback options during the offseason, several teams are exploring whether signing Carr might fill their quarterback needs.
Interest from NFL Teams Amid Quarterback Uncertainty
As the 2025 season unfolded, teams facing their own quarterback challenges began investigating whether Carr might be open to returning. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo reported that teams have been conducting due diligence to assess Carr’s availability and interest.
“As quarterback injuries mounted this season and into the playoffs, teams conducted due diligence on Carr, trying to gather information as to whether the former Saints franchise passer would consider coming out of retirement, sources tell The Insiders,”
Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, NFL Network
“That work continues, and an offseason of quarterback uncertainty — with limited options in free agency, trades and the draft — makes Carr a possible solution in the right situation.”
Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, NFL Network
Among the potential suitors, the New York Jets have emerged as a popular topic of discussion. WFAN radio’s Evan Roberts expressed his interest in Carr as a possible option to stabilize the Jets’ quarterback position.
“I would agree overall that defining him as a bridge is the most accurate [description], I think he could give you three-to-four seasons of pretty good quarterback play.”
Evan Roberts, WFAN
In 2024, Carr participated in 10 games, completing 67.7% of his passes for 2,145 yards, with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, suggesting that he could provide the Jets with a notable upgrade at quarterback.
Teams Likely to Suit Carr’s Long-Term Goals
Derek Carr’s brother and former NFL quarterback David Carr has emphasized that any return would depend on finding the right fit. He mentioned that Carr is looking for a team where he can serve as a long-term leader rather than merely a temporary replacement.
“Derek would like to be in a situation that obviously is a team that really needs a guy to come in and take em’ for the long haul,”
David Carr, former NFL quarterback
“There’s a feeling that maybe Joe Burrow might come back at some point this year – at least try to come back. I don’t know if Derek would feel comfortable being in a situation where say he was to enter in a team situation where the quarterback was hurt and he drove them all the way in, they got into the playoffs, and then he had to go sit on the sidelines.”
David Carr, former NFL quarterback
Considering this mindset, teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings might be more suitable destinations for Carr, especially as these franchises aim to compete for playoff berths and could offer the starting role he desires.
Implications of Carr’s Possible Return
Derek Carr’s potential return in 2026 could have significant repercussions for several NFL teams facing quarterback instability. With limited quarterback options available through free agency and the draft, teams needing both experience and leadership might view Carr as a viable long-term solution. His return would also highlight the challenges some teams face in securing a dependable quarterback, especially amid injuries and uncertainty elsewhere in the league.
As Carr weighs his options, the 2026 offseason will be critical in determining whether he reignites his career and which team ultimately benefits from his proven skills. For now, the NFL community remains attentive to how this unfolding situation impacts team strategies and quarterback competitions moving forward.
Evan would be intrigued by Derek Carr potentially quarterbacking the Jets:@EvanRobertsWFAN pic.twitter.com/lsoTMJ9iKo
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) February 10, 2026
