Veteran quarterback Derek Carr has opened up about the possibility of returning to the NFL amid rumors linking him with a comeback and specifically with the New York Jets. Speaking on his Home Grown podcast alongside his brother David Carr, Derek shared his conditions for unretiring, emphasizing health and the opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl.
Would I come back? The answer is obviously yes. But I’ve had to say no a couple of times so far … I told you this, it hasn’t changed from the first interview that we did, would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not. Would I do it? I absolutely would do it. I told you two things: I would have to be healthy, and I’d want a chance to win a Super Bowl. Obviously, that’s a tough thing to find. That is hard to do. That is not easy,
Derek Carr said.
His brother, David Carr, emphasized Derek’s current physical condition, commenting,
I’m going to tell you right now, though, I know you’re healthy,
providing reassurance on his readiness to possibly return.
Jets’ Super Bowl Odds Paint a Grim Picture
For fans hopeful about a Derek Carr comeback with the New York Jets, recent odds do not boost optimism. DraftKings Sportsbook currently ranks the Jets tied with the Las Vegas Raiders for the second-worst chances to win the Super Bowl next season, both posted at 180-1 odds. Only the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals have longer odds at 200-1, making the Jets a challenging destination for anyone prioritizing a championship opportunity.
This data suggests that if Carr’s comeback depends heavily on joining a strong Super Bowl contender, the Jets may not be an ideal fit at this moment.
Industry Analysts React to Carr’s Comments on Possible Return
Experts and insiders have weighed in following Carr’s recent podcast statements, largely doubting the Jets would be his destination given his conditions. NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY remarked,
This logic, conceivably, would rule the Jets out. We’ll see, though,
highlighting the uncertainty but skepticism about New York’s prospects.
Similarly, Matt O’Leary expressed skepticism directly:
Think we can rule out the Jets convo…,
signaling doubt about a Jets comeback.
However, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic presented an alternative viewpoint with this observation:
Maybe he’s VERY high on the Jets.
This hints at the possibility that Carr could still view the Jets positively despite external expectations.
Recalling the Jets’ Aggressive Pursuit of Carr in 2023
Interestingly, the Jets had been proactive about acquiring Derek Carr during the 2023 offseason, indicating they valued his leadership and potential impact. Multiple meetings occurred between Carr and Jets representatives at locations including the NFL combine, team facilities, and local restaurants in New Jersey. These encounters showed the team’s serious commitment to signing him.
Dianna Russini, an NFL insider formerly with ESPN, revealed details of the Jets’ thorough efforts to persuade Carr at that time:
In terms of that visit with the New York Jets, I heard it went really well from both sides. In terms of what New York was trying to sell him, because let’s face it, that is what they’re doing at this point. They were pretty clear with him, they told him he is a great quarterback, they believe that he has a legit cast of supporting players, they went through the top D [defense], the skill guys, [and] the explosive run game,
Russini explained.
They went through top to bottom of why Derek Carr can step in here and take this team not just to the playoffs, but to the Super Bowl. They made it really personal, saying, ‘We believe if you come to New York and win, you could be a first ballot Hall of Famer.’ They went full in on Derek Carr here to let him know they want him to play for the New York Jets,
Russini added.
Despite changes since then—including a new front office, different coaching staff, and roster turnover—the Jets’ detailed pitch to Carr in 2023 reflected serious intentions to build a championship-caliber team around him.
What the Future Might Hold for Derek Carr and the Jets
Derek Carr’s openness about returning to the NFL with clear stipulations—being healthy and joining a team capable of Super Bowl contention—frames the stakes of this potential comeback. With the Jets currently facing long odds to reach the championship and the organization having undergone significant changes since their earlier pursuit, any renewed interest may depend on whether the current Jets roster and leadership can present a realistic path to success.
If Carr retains memories of the Jets’ aggressive pursuit from 2023 or views their present situation optimistically, the possibility of this reunion could remain viable, intriguing fans and analysts alike. As the NFL offseason progresses, factors like roster moves, coaching decisions, and team dynamics will likely shape if or how Carr’s comeback materializes and whether it involves the New York Jets.
The latest on a potential Derek Carr return to the NFL, from Derek himself 🗣️ https://t.co/BefLsxEbZk pic.twitter.com/y1HoCcjYLm
— Home Grown with David & Derek Carr (@HomeGrownTweet) February 12, 2026
This logic, conceivably, would rule the #Jets out. We’ll see, though. https://t.co/SRNpzU8jM0
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) February 13, 2026
Think we can rule out the #Jets convo… https://t.co/WrEDhLnVgL
— Matt O'Leary (@MattOLearyNY) February 13, 2026
Maybe he's VERY high on the Jets https://t.co/7IUWCJiMKP
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) February 13, 2026
Hey back in 2023 your now @TheAthletic teammate @DMRussini revealed that the #Jets talked to Derek Carr & pitched him on ideas of winning Super Bowls & being a Hall of Famer…
So you're saying there is a chance? #JetUp pic.twitter.com/B7JMp6Mse5 https://t.co/v9imTyKpa3
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 13, 2026
