NEW ORLEANS — The NFL quarterback market just took a veteran turn. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that Derek Carr is ready to end his short-lived retirement and return to the league for the 2026 season. After walking away from the New Orleans Saints in May 2025 to heal a significant shoulder injury, the 34-year-old signal-caller is officially “open for business,” provided the landing spot offers a legitimate shot at a ring.
The Market for a Rested Veteran
Carr didn’t take a single snap in 2025. Instead, he spent the year rehabbing a labral tear and rotator cuff damage that many thought would end his career. The time off worked. Sources close to the quarterback say his arm strength has returned to its Pro Bowl peak. With career totals of 41,245 passing yards and 257 touchdowns, Carr enters a league currently starving for steady hands under center.
The timing is no coincidence. Free agency opened this week, and the “big chairs” are filling up fast. The Falcons landed Tua Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins surprised the league by committing to Malik Willis. This leaves a massive vacuum in places like Pittsburgh, where the future of Aaron Rodgers remains a mystery. If Rodgers hangs them up, the Steelers become the immediate front-runner for Carr’s services.
- Age: 34 (Turns 35 this month)
- 2024 Stats: 1,926 yards, 14 TDs, 4 INTs (10 games)
- Status: Still on Saints’ reserve/retired list; trade required.
“Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not. I would have to be healthy and I would want a chance to win a Super Bowl. I’ve had to say ‘no’ a couple of times already, but the fire is back.”
— Derek Carr, via Recent Podcast Interview
The Trade Hurdle and What’s Next
Don’t expect the Saints to just hand him over. New Orleans still holds Carr’s rights. While the emergence of Tyler Shough as a legitimate starter in the Big Easy makes Carr’s return there impossible, General Manager Mickey Loomis will likely hunt for draft capital in exchange for the veteran’s contract. The current contract carries a hefty tag, but teams can rework those numbers once a trade is finalized.
The Minnesota Vikings are another name to watch. While they brought in Kyler Murray, depth remains a concern in the Twin Cities. However, Carr has made it clear he isn’t coming back to hold a clipboard. He wants to lead a huddle. If a contender loses a starter during the preseason or if the draft-day quarterback board falls apart for QB-needy teams, Carr becomes the ultimate “Break Glass in Case of Emergency” option. For now, the veteran is waiting for the phone to ring with the right offer.
