Derek Carr shocked the football world when he retired in early May. Carr had been battling injuries, and that was presumed to be the reason for his retirement.
However, rumors have circulated that there could be more to the story, which hints that the quarterback could possibly return to play football.
Derek Carr Contacted Several Teams Before Retiring
“Everyone concedes Carr is injured,” said ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler in a recent article. “Not everyone believes it’s the full story of why he retired.”
Carr spent the last two years of his 11-year NFL career in New Orleans, where the team had a 14-13 record with him under center.
His season was limited to 10 games in 2024 due to an oblique injury and a concussion. During those 10 games, Carr completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Carr ranked as the No. 11 quarterback in PFSN’s QB+ Rankings with a score of 83.3 (B) in 2024.
“A Carr representative spoke with at least two teams in the market for a quarterback about potential interest in the veteran, according to three league sources,” Fowler added. “While one of the sources classified the contact as indirect, both front offices were made aware that Carr might be looking for a new playing home.”
Some teams that could have been interested in acquiring a quarterback include the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and New York Jets, among others, depending on what point in the offseason these discussions took place.
Ultimately, the Giants ended up signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Later, they drafted Jaxson Dart, while the Jets signed Justin Fields. Meanwhile, the Steelers brought Mason Rudolph back and drafted Will Howard, but they may not be done at the position, as they have been heavily linked to Aaron Rodgers.
Ultimately, no trade transpired, which left Carr’s possible return to New Orleans or release as potential options if he were to continue his playing career.
“Only Carr could say why he would have been seeking an exit from New Orleans, but those around him have theories,” said Fowler. “The belief among multiple people interviewed is that the Saints and Carr were not on the greatest of terms.”
Carr has not spoken about his relationship with the team, and while the full extent of the situation is unknown, injuries presumably played a part in it. His shoulder injury could’ve caused him to miss the 2025 season.
“Carr’s best and perhaps only chance to be a QB1 was in New Orleans, before the injury appeared to make it all a moot point,” said Fowler.
New Orleans will move forward with Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and Tyler Shough as their potential quarterback options in 2025. The Saints selected Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he will have every opportunity to win the starting job. The former Louisville quarterback will turn 26 in September, making him the oldest of the top quarterback prospects from his draft class.
Despite a tumultuous ending, Carr had an extensive 11-year NFL career, totaling 41,245 passing yards and earning nearly $200 million.
More information on the specifics of the Carr situation could emerge as time passes, but for now, he and the Saints have gone their separate ways, and the team will look to win with a new quarterback under center in Kellen Moore’s first season as the head coach.