Derek Carr retired at 34 after learning he'd miss time with a right shoulder injury, but has admitted he could return after making a recovery, and he even admitted to turning down offers this year
10:55 ET, 13 Feb 2026
Derek Carr
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Derek Carr has admitted he could return to the NFL for the right situation(Image: Home Grown with David & Derek Carr)
Derek Carr has left the door wide open to a spectacular return to the NFL while issuing a statement on the team he would agree to play for - admitting he wouldn't join just anyone.
The former Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints quarterback could be one of the better options at the position this offseason, in a weakened quarterback draft class and free agency market.
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Carr retired much earlier than anyone expected while walking away from $30 million with the Saints, who have since moved on to Tyler Shough at the position. Carr has admitted he received offers to return last year, which he turned down, stating the conditions he would need to return to play in the 2026 season.
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Speaking on his 'Home Grown with David & Derek Carr' podcast with his old brother, he said on a comeback: "Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not.
"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."
Derek Carr has left the door open to a return
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Derek Carr has left the door open to a return(Image: Getty Images)
Interestingly, this offseason looks like it will present opportunities to play for a team, with as many as 21 outfits having new offensive coordinators and potentially looking for new quarterbacks.
But whether he can land with a team where he can compete for a Super Bowl is difficult to project. Regularly, what makes Super Bowl contenders who they are is having their quarterback in place.
However, a number of teams could vault into contention with new coaches and an improved scheme around Carr, who has proven to be a Pro Bowl-level quarterback.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would make the most sense here, being a playoff team looking for a quarterback, especially if Aaron Rodgers does not return.
Derek Carr spent the 2025 season away from the sport while rehabbing his shoulder injury
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Derek Carr spent the 2025 season away from the sport while rehabbing his shoulder injury(Image: Getty Images)
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The Minnesota Vikings do not appear sold on JJ McCarthy, who struggled in 2025 after getting the opportunity to start the year.
An under-the-radar option could be the Houston Texans, with CJ Stroud struggling mightily in his third year, highlighted by a brutal playoff performance against the New England Patriots.
Speculation has grown that the Texans could trade Stroud, who will be eligible for a huge contract extension. The Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals will also be active in quarterback searches this offseason, and could be intriguing landing spots for Carr to consider.