The possibility of Derek Carr returning to the NFL seems to be stronger than ever. Carr, who retired months before the 2025 season, is reportedly considering unretiring and returning to the league in 2026. He could be an interesting option for teams looking to improve their quarterback position.
Derek Carr Reportedly Considering a Shocking Return to the NFL in 2026
In May, after the Saints drafted Tyler Shough, Carr shockingly announced his retirement from the league. A serious shoulder injury included a labral tear and damage to his rotator cuff. The Saints’ adding a quarterback in the early rounds gave them a better chance to see what Shough could do, and he impressed in his rookie season.
Before the Super Bowl, an initial report emerged that the possibility of a return to the league couldn’t be 100% discarded, but he wasn’t actively trying to return. It seems that things have picked up the pace now.
Jordan Schultz tweeted on Wednesday that “there’s a strong belief Derek Carr is very serious about unretiring and returning to the NFL in 2026.”
Sources: In talking to teams in the QB market, there’s a strong belief former #Saints QB Derek Carr is very serious about unretiring and returning to the NFL in 2026.
Carr’s rights belong to the Saints, but teams with winning aspirations have real interest in the former 4x Pro… pic.twitter.com/bWlho5qMrE
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 25, 2026
The veteran quarterback was a second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and played most of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders. He joined the New Orleans Saints in 2023 and added two more years before announcing his retirement in 2025.
In the same tweet, Schultz added that “Carr’s rights belong to the Saints, but teams with winning aspirations have real interest in the former 4x Pro Bowler”. With no playoff wins to his name, Carr likely wouldn’t return to the field unless he was presented with a real chance of competing in January.
The initial reports also stated that if he decides to return, New Orleans isn’t expected to put any impediments in his way, giving him the freedom to choose a team if the right situation arises. Teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and the Indianapolis Colts, provided they don’t re-sign Daniel Jones, are some of the options.
In his 11-year career, Carr has accounted for 264 total touchdowns through the air and on the ground. In 2024, his final season in the league, Carr ranked as No. 13 in our PFSN QB Impact Metric with a 78.3 grade. He played in just 10 games that year due to multiple injuries.
