Can Derek Carr really return - and who might trade for him?

New Orleans Saints legendary quarterback Derek Carr is reportedly “very serious” about unretiring and returning to the NFL in 2026, according to multiple league insiders.

Carr, 34, shocked the league when he abruptly retired in May 2025 amid shoulder injuries and an uncertain outlook for surgery. He gave up significant guaranteed money rather than sit out the season after surgery was necessary to address the injury.

Now, a year later, sources tell NFL reporter Jordan Schultz there’s a “strong belief” teams around the league think Carr is ready to make a comeback, provided the right situation arises.

Saints still control Carr’s rights

There’s one complicating factor though. Carr’s contractual rights remain with the New Orleans Saints because he retired while under contract. That means, should he choose to unretire, he couldn’t simply sign with another team as a free agent. The Saints would have to either trade him or release him.

The Saints appear content to move forward with Tyler Shough as their quarterback of the future, and outlets have reported New Orleans would likely be willing to trade Carr if a contender wants his services.

This brings about an unusual scenario, as the Saints would have a player who isn’t even on their roster yet bringing them draft compensation if his comeback materializes.

Teams with real interest and real constraints

Carr isn’t exactly a franchise-changing quarterback anymore. He’s coming off injury, sat out 2025, and will be 35 during the 2026 season. But teams still value veteran experience, especially in a quarterback market that’s notably quite thin this offseason.

Some squads that could make sense based on need and contending aspirations include:

• Minnesota Vikings: With questions remaining about J.J. McCarthy’s long-term outlook, Carr could be viewed as a stabilizer for a roster that won nine games in 2025 despite inconsistent QB play.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: If Aaron Rodgers doesn’t return and the team needs a veteran presence between Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, Carr could be an option.
• Atlanta Falcons: With Kirk Cousins apparently departing and new leadership in town, Carr could be seen as an immediate upgrade over unproven alternatives.
• Indianapolis Colts or Cincinnati Bengals: Both teams reportedly checked in on Carr last season and could circle back if they decide veteran stability matters.

In each case, the key isn’t just interest alone. It’s whether a team puts real draft capital on the table. A veteran like Carr, coming off retirement and with a recent injury history, would likely command mid-round compensation at best in a trade rather than premium picks.

Carr’s own conditions

Carr himself has framed his potential return in conditional terms. On his podcast “Home Grown with David & Derek Carr”, he outlined that he would only come back if he’s 100% healthy, and the team offers a legitimate chance to win a Super Bowl.

That second condition is a big if. Most teams with both draft capital and draft positioning to offer a trade don’t currently fit the “Super Bowl contender” label, which could limit Carr’s trade market or push teams toward creative negotiating.

If Carr truly wants back in the league, and right now reports indicate he does, the next steps are straightforward but complex. The Saints could trade his rights before the new league year starts in March. Carr’s salary and cap implications would have to be worked out, potentially with a new contract after a trade. And any team acquiring him would have to balance veteran cost with flexibility to develop younger quarterbacks.

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