The NFL world was caught by surprise when former quarterback Derek Carr announced that he would be willing to return to the league to play for a team competing for a Super Bowl. There was some optimism that Carr would attract interest from multiple franchises, given his experience and track record in the league.
Saints Still Waiting as Derek Carr’s Comeback Interest Fails to Materialize
The reality appears to be different, and even in a free agency period that began with plenty of movement, the New Orleans Saints, who hold Carr’s rights since he retired while still under contract with the franchise, have not received any trade inquiries for the quarterback. As a result, his return to the NFL has once again become questionable.
When Carr decided to retire due to a shoulder injury, no one imagined he might return to the league just one year after making the biggest decision of his career.
By doing so, Carr spared the Saints from carrying a large salary for a season in which the quarterback knew he would not be 100%.
According to Carr himself, if he underwent surgery, he would not be able to play at his best, and it would not be fair to the franchise. It was a well-considered decision, but only a year after making it, Carr has already reconsidered, stating that he would return to the NFL if he could play for a team with championship aspirations.
However, teams appear reluctant to consider Carr as an option for the season, at least for now. Reporter Mike Florio reported that there has been no interest in acquiring the player and that the Saints have not received any trade inquiries.
“As of Scouting Combine week, the Saints hadn’t heard from any team regarding a potential trade for Carr’s contract rights. Through the first week of free agency, we’re told, the Saints still haven’t gotten any inquiries,” Florio wrote.
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Many of the teams that needed a quarterback have already addressed their situations for the season or at least moved toward a solution. The Miami Dolphins signed Malik Willis, the New York Jets brought back Geno Smith, the Minnesota Vikings agreed with Kyler Murray, and the Atlanta Falcons added Tua Tagovailoa.
Carr’s potential destinations have continued to shrink, and although a few possibilities still exist, they are remote. The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in the draft, leaving the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers as theoretical options.
Arizona is likely to move forward with Jacoby Brissett for the season, while Pittsburgh is waiting on Aaron Rodgers.
Things could change after the draft, but for now, Carr appears to be more of a contingency option if a team’s primary plan falls through. Much like Philip Rivers returned in an unexpected situation at 44 years old, Carr could still receive a call during the season in case of an injury or to fill a roster need.
