Quarterback Derek Carr stepped away from the NFL nine months ago while still under contract with the New Orleans Saints. This week, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback addressed that retirement may not be permanent. Carr talked about a return and outlined exactly what it would take.
Derek Carr Says Super Bowl Contender Is Required for Return
On the “Home Grown” podcast with David & Derek Carr, he clarified his current stance and emphasized that two conditions must be met.
“So would I come back? The answer, obviously, is yes. Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not,” Carr said. “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.”
His brother acknowledged that interest already exists. “Stop calling unless you’re serious,” David Carr said. “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.”
Carr, 34, finished his career with more than 41,000 passing yards and 217 touchdown passes across 10 seasons. He earned four Pro Bowl selections and led multiple playoff-caliber teams during his tenure with the Raiders before closing his career in New Orleans.
At the time of his retirement, Carr cited health concerns tied to a shoulder injury that impacted him late in the 2025 season. During the exchange, Carr and his brother briefly joked about “purple and gold,” framing it as a Lakers reference. Carr did not identify any specific NFL team.
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Because Carr retired while still under contract, the Saints retain his rights. Any return would require New Orleans to authorize discussions and, if necessary, negotiate a trade. The Saints would hold leverage in that process, even though Carr is currently not on the roster.
Recent quarterback trades provide a framework for valuation. In 2025, Geno Smith was acquired for a third-round pick. Joe Flacco was traded for a fifth-round selection. Kenny Pickett was moved twice, each time yielding a fifth-rounder. Those deals suggest mid-round compensation has become the baseline for veteran passers with starting experience.
Quarterback-needy teams such as Pittsburgh, Arizona, and the New York Jets have been linked to veteran options this offseason. Other franchises with uncertain quarterback situations could also inquire. The Minnesota Vikings are also expected to be active on the QB market.
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Carr’s comments narrowed the field. He stated he would return only if healthy and if the opportunity involved a legitimate Super Bowl contender, meaning the Jets and Cardinals would not qualify.
The Saints control his rights. Whether a contender is willing to meet both Carr’s conditions and New Orleans’ asking price will determine if the veteran quarterback plays again in 2026.
