Veteran quarterback Derek Carr, who retired from the New Orleans Saints last spring, is reportedly eager to return to the NFL for the 2026 season, but so far, no teams have expressed interest in acquiring him through a trade. Despite Carr’s desire to come back, the lack of trade offers indicates that NFL franchises remain hesitant about his return.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk revealed that the Saints have not been contacted by any team willing to negotiate a deal for Carr. Florio stated,
“To date, the Saints have not heard (we’re told) from any team that wants to make a deal for Carr,”
and added,
“If no option emerges before the trade deadline, Carr may need to ask the Saints to release his rights, which would position him to sign with someone as a free agent.”
Derek Carr’s Retirement and Health Status
At 34 years old, Carr stepped away from football last year after sustaining a labral tear in his rotator cuff. He opted against surgery, which would have sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. Nevertheless, he believes his current health condition allows him to contribute meaningfully to a team aiming for a Super Bowl championship.
Expressing his motivation during the Home Grown with David & Derek Carr podcast, Carr emphasized,
“Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not,”
adding,
“Would I do it. Absolutely, I would. I told you two things: I have to be healthy, and I’d want a chance to win a Super Bowl. And obviously, that’s a tough thing to find. That’s hard to do. That’s not easy.”
Market Demand for Carr Remains Low Despite Need for Quarterbacks
Speculation surrounding Carr’s trade value has centered on his recent performance, which included 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions over 10 games before injuries cut his 2024 season short. Despite several teams, including the quarterback-needy Pittsburgh Steelers, searching for options, none have been willing to trade assets for Carr’s services.
This situation might change if Aaron Rodgers, another veteran quarterback, chooses not to play in 2026 or if the Saints decide to relinquish Carr’s rights sooner. However, the Saints appear determined to hold onto Carr’s rights as long as possible to potentially receive compensation.
Career Overview and Legacy of Derek Carr
Derek Carr was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft and has amassed career totals of 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns, and 112 interceptions. His experience and statistics reflect a strong NFL tenure, yet the uncertainty surrounding his health and recent performance affect his current market appeal.
