Former Saints and Raiders QB Derek Carr retired last May, opting not to undergo surgery for his right shoulder. Carr explained the rationale behind his decision last year. "I wouldn't have been able to play if I had the surgery," the now 34-year-old said via NFL.com. "And then if I tried to play with it, I wasn't near 100%, and so that doesn't help them, either. I just felt like it was the right thing to do for myself and for the team." Now, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there’s a chance Carr returns to the field in 2026.
Rapoport calls Carr a "potential solution" for teams in a recent piece on NFL.com. Carr's profile is elevated by the fact that the trade, free agent, and rookie markets all look thin at QB.
That said, he's far from a lock to return in 2026.
"Carr doesn't seem to be actively chasing a return to the NFL," writes Rapoport. "He's indicated he has enjoyed spending time with family and taking on various projects. But he surely knows the interest is there and sources have said the right situation and coaching staff could lure Carr back onto the field."
Could the right situation be emerging in New York?
In a recent podcast, Carr said he "loves" Jets HC Aaron Glenn and called him a "good friend."
Of course, the Jets enter the offseason without a Week 1 starter on their roster.
Note that in his final season with the Saints, Carr ranked just 21st in fantasy points per game (ten games played).
While the Saints still hold Carr's rights, Rapoport writes that his contract is "unlikely" to be an issue in talks with teams.
Bottom line: Carr is fine to stash in superflex dynasty leagues while this situation sorts itself out.
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