klint kubiak derek carr
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Klint Kubiak with Derek Carr.
The Las Vegas Raiders are interested in bringing in a veteran quarterback to help mentor likely No. 1 pick, Fernando Mendoza. Kirk Cousins is a free agent who has worked with head coach Klint Kubiak in the past, so he’d make a lot of sense, but he might be waiting for a clearer path to being a starter.
One name that has been mentioned a lot by fans is Derek Carr. He’s the Raiders’ all-time leading passer, and he spent a year with Kubiak on the New Orleans Saints.
Carr has openly spoken about being interested in returning to Las Vegas and mentoring Mendoza. He technically retired before last season, but is only 35 and could still have a couple of years left of playing ability.
The Raiders haven’t shown any reported interest in Carr, but Kubiak is a big fan of the quarterback. He gave some details about his relationship with Carr and had some praise for the former Pro Bowler.
“My time in New Orleans with Derek was phenomenal. He’s a guy I’ll keep in touch with forever. Really have a lot of respect for him,” Kubiak told reporters at the 2026 NFL Annual Meeting.
Latest Raiders QB Rumors
Mendoza is going to be the future at quarterback for Las Vegas, but there’s no reason to rush his development. If the Raiders think it’s best to bring a rookie quarterback along slowly, then they should try to land on a veteran soon.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler offered the latest update on the team’s search for a veteran quarterback.
“Signs point to the Las Vegas Raiders adding a veteran quarterback to pair with Fernando Mendoza, and Kirk Cousins is considered a prime option,” Fowler wrote. “The Raiders tried to sign Joe Flacco, who opted to stay with Cincinnati. Cousins’ name came up a few times when I asked about what the Raiders might do next, though the Rams are a possibility for Cousins, too.”
If the Rams are the only competition for Cousins, then the Raiders should have a good chance at signing him. He’s certainly not competing to unseat reigning MVP Matthew Stafford as the starting quarterback.
Raiders-Carr Reunion Unlikely
Similar to Cousins, Carr would make a lot of sense as a stopgap quarterback for the Raiders. He knows Kubiak’s offense, and he clearly still has a lot of love for the franchise.
He’s expressed interest in coaching, so this could be a step toward that career pivot, but there are complications with a possible Carr addition. He’s still under contract with the Saints, so unless they’re willing to release him from his contract, it’ll take a trade to get him. Jacob Camenker of USA Today doesn’t think a reunion between Carr and the Raiders is likely.
“The Raiders would potentially need to trade for Carr if he comes out of retirement, and it is also unclear whether the 11-year veteran will be willing to return to the NFL without being guaranteed a starting role,” Camenker wrote. “Those obstacles could make a reunion between the two parties unlikely.”