Quarterback Derek Carr, who retired from the NFL nine months ago while still under contract with the New Orleans Saints, has expressed openness to returning to the league. However, Carr clarified that his comeback would only happen under strict conditions—specifically, if he joins a team with a real chance at winning the Super Bowl and if he is fully healthy.
Details of Carr’s Stance on Returning to Play
On the Home Grown podcast with David & Derek Carr, the quarterback laid out his requirements for a return.
“So would I come back? The answer, obviously, is yes. Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not,”
Carr stated. He added,
“I’d have to be healthy and I am, and I would want a chance to win a Super Bowl. That’s a tough thing to find. That’s hard to do. That’s not easy.”
These remarks reflect Carr’s insistence on playing only for a genuine championship contender.
David Carr, Derek’s brother, echoed the sentiment highlighting the seriousness of interest required:
“Unless you’re trying to make a run at this thing. The confetti falling. The Lombardi in the sky. That’s what we’re after.”
This emphasis underlines that Derek Carr’s motivation to return is tied tightly to competing for—and winning—the Super Bowl.
Career Highlights and Reasons Behind Retirement
At 34, Derek Carr completed a notable NFL career, compiling over 41,000 passing yards and 217 touchdown passes through ten seasons. He was selected to four Pro Bowls and led playoff-viable teams during his years with the Raiders before spending his final NFL season with the New Orleans Saints. He retired citing health concerns linked to a shoulder injury that troubled him late in the 2025 season. Though briefly teased during the podcast, Carr did not name any particular NFL team he might join, playfully referencing “purple and gold” as a nod to the Lakers.
Contractual and Trade Implications for a Potential Return
Since Carr retired while still bound by contract, the New Orleans Saints retain his rights. Any comeback would require approval from the Saints and likely involve trade negotiations if another team seeks his services. The Saints hold bargaining power despite Carr not currently being on the active roster. Recent NFL trades involving veteran quarterbacks offer insight into possible trade values: Geno Smith was exchanged for a third-round draft pick in 2025, Joe Flacco for a fifth-round pick, and Kenny Pickett was traded twice, each time for a fifth-round selection. These trades suggest that a mid-round draft choice could represent a reasonable price for Carr, given his veteran status.
Which Teams Could Meet Carr’s Demanding Criteria?
Several quarterback-needy teams, including Pittsburgh, Arizona, and the New York Jets, have been linked to veteran options throughout this offseason. Other teams facing uncertainty at quarterback, such as the Minnesota Vikings, are also projected to be active in the position market. However, Carr’s stated conditions limit his potential destinations. He ruled out teams that do not qualify as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, explicitly suggesting that the Jets and Cardinals would not meet his standards.
The Future of Carr’s NFL Career Hinges on Multiple Factors
Ultimately, whether Derek Carr returns to the NFL will depend on his health, the opportunity to compete for a championship, and the willingness of the Saints to agree to terms or trade him. His firm position means only a select group of true contenders could realistically acquire him. As veteran quarterbacks with Carr’s experience are often in demand, the coming months will reveal if any team can align on these conditions. For now, Carr’s return remains uncertain but possible under highly specific circumstances.
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
