Derek Carr’s name has sparked interest in the NFL heading into an offseason with questionable quarterback availability.
NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that Carr could retire in 2026, assuming the right circumstances and coaching staff come together.
Carr, 34, confirmed the thought process on his “Home Grown with David & Derek Carr” podcast.
“Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not,” Carr said. “Would I do it. Absolutely, I would. I told you two things: I’ve got to be healthy and I’d like a chance to win a Super Bowl. And obviously that’s hard to find. It’s hard to do. It’s not easy.”
David Carr chimed in, noting that he “knows” Derek is healthy. As the latter laughed silently and silently.
Carr announced his retirement from the Saints last spring because of a torn rotator cuff. The QB’s injury could have been fixed with surgery, but that would have put his ability to play last season in jeopardy. With that reality hanging over their heads, the Saints and QB reached a severance agreement.
With Carr hinting that he is healthy enough to play now, the passing game would be the most important piece of the puzzle. Teams with Super Bowl-worthy rosters still in need of a starting QB are not available. Carr noted that he turned down offers during the season.
“I had to say no a few times so far,” Carr said.
The Insiders reported that one of those teams was the Bengals, who contacted Carr after Joe Burrow went down with a toe injury.
If the right situation were to materialize for the QB, compensation would have to be worked out with the Saints, who still have his contract rights. Insiders said the price isn’t “unreasonable” for a player who has no future in New Orleans. However, Carr is not free to sign with whoever he wants – ie. if the Atlanta Falcons wanted to bring in the veteran, the Saints could, in theory, play hardball with their rival.
Not for nothing, but David Carr has joked several times about the possibility of his younger brother being linked to a “purple and gold” team. The elder Carr said he meant to be a Lakers fan. The Minnesota Vikings also obviously have the purple and gold, and need a veteran QB to push JJ McCarthy into the starting lineup.