Derek Carr is enjoying retirement, coaching his children and spending more time on the golf course. Yet the 4 time Pro Bowl quarterback still has NFL teams calling to ask whether he would consider playing again.
Carr revealed during a July appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football that multiple clubs contacted him during the 2026 offseason. He listened to their plans, explained what he would need and ultimately stayed retired.
The interest is understandable. Carr remains one of the most experienced quarterbacks available outside the league. He started for 11 seasons, handled the pressure of leading 2 franchises and proved he could produce against NFL defenses.
However, Carr is not searching for another ordinary starting job. He has no interest in guiding a rebuilding team or entering an open competition. Only a clear path to the Super Bowl could convince him to return.
Carr Has Already Rejected A Strong Opportunity
Carr first detailed his conditions during a February appearance on the Home Grown podcast with his brother David. His health would matter, but so would the quality of the team calling him.
That position remained unchanged when he spoke publicly again in July. Several respectable clubs had reached out, but none offered the exact situation he wanted.
Carr appears to be waiting for a contender that suddenly loses its starting quarterback and needs an experienced replacement. Even then, the roster, coaching staff and championship outlook would all influence his decision.
“I’ll never say never. It would take a special situation,” Derek Carr said on Good Morning Football.
Cincinnati tested that position during the 2025 season. The Bengals contacted Carr after Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury against Jacksonville in Week 2. Burrow underwent surgery and initially faced an absence of at least 3 months.
Carr declined the opportunity.
That decision showed how difficult it will be to bring him back. Cincinnati had elite receiving talent in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, an established offensive system and legitimate postseason expectations. Even that was not enough.
A future offer would need to be better timed and even more convincing. Carr would likely want an immediate starting role, strong pass protection, proven offensive leadership and a roster capable of competing deep into January.
The Saints Still Control Carr’s NFL Rights
Any comeback would also require cooperation from New Orleans.
The Saints placed Carr on the reserve retired list in June 2025, allowing the franchise to retain his contractual rights. He cannot leave retirement and immediately sign with another team as a free agent.
An interested club must first reach an agreement with New Orleans. NFL Network reported in February that the required compensation was not expected to be excessive, but the transaction would still add another stage to the process.
Timing could become critical. A contender dealing with a serious quarterback injury would need to contact Carr, persuade him to return, negotiate with the Saints and create enough salary cap space to complete the move.
Carr would then have to learn a new offense and build chemistry with his receivers under regular season pressure.
New Orleans could also consider the identity of the interested team. The Saints may be less willing to assist a division rival or another NFC contender if Carr could directly affect their season.
Those complications make a planned preseason return unlikely. His value could rise quickly once games begin, especially if a leading team loses its starter and lacks a reliable backup.
Walking Away From $30 Million Showed Carr Was Serious
Carr did not retire because teams had stopped valuing him. A serious shoulder injury changed the direction of his career.
Doctors discovered a labral tear and damage to his rotator cuff while he prepared for the 2025 season. Rehabilitation and an injection failed to resolve the problem. Surgery would have wiped out most, if not all, of the season without guaranteeing that his throwing shoulder would return to its previous level.
After discussing the situation with his family and the Saints, Carr walked away at age 34.
The decision carried enormous financial weight. He surrendered $30 million in guaranteed salary. New Orleans agreed not to pursue repayment of another $10 million tied to roster and signing bonuses.
Few players leave that amount of guaranteed money behind. Carr’s choice made his priorities clear. Another contract alone will not bring him back.
Retirement has allowed him to spend more time with his wife and children. He has coached his sons, continued training and devoted more attention to golf. Football remains part of his life, but it no longer controls his schedule.
His career production explains why front offices continue checking on him. Carr retired with 41,245 passing yards and 257 touchdown passes, numbers that few available quarterbacks can match. Those totals give teams confidence that he could still manage an offense if called upon.
Carr also holds complete control over any possible comeback. Teams can present their plans and make their offers. He can decline and return to the life he chose.
The calls will probably continue as injuries reshape the quarterback market. Yet a club must offer far more than playing time or another paycheck. It must give Carr a genuine chance to finish his career with the 1 prize he has never won.
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FAQs
Is Derek Carr returning to the NFL?
Carr remains retired. He would consider returning only for a special opportunity with a team capable of competing for the Super Bowl.
What would convince Derek Carr to play again?
Carr wants an immediate chance to win. The team would need a strong roster, trusted coaches and a clear championship path.
Which NFL teams contacted Derek Carr?
Carr confirmed that multiple teams contacted him, but he did not identify them. Cincinnati also approached him after Joe Burrow’s 2025 injury.
Do the Saints still control Derek Carr’s rights?
Yes. New Orleans placed Carr on the reserve retired list, so another club would need to reach an agreement with the Saints.
Why did Derek Carr retire?
Carr retired after doctors found serious damage in his throwing shoulder. Surgery threatened his 2025 season and offered no guarantee of a full recovery.
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