Quick Read
- Former Saints QB Derek Carr is considering an NFL comeback after retiring in 2025 due to a shoulder injury.
- Carr is reportedly seeking a Super Bowl-contending team and a significant contract, potentially worth $100 million over three years.
- The Las Vegas Raiders are a speculated destination due to new head coach Klint Kubiak’s past connection with Carr, despite current roster challenges.
- The New York Jets and Cleveland Browns are also identified as potential suitors, each with specific historical ties or pressing quarterback needs.
- The New Orleans Saints still hold Carr’s rights and would require a trade for his services, potentially seeking a 2026 fourth and seventh-round pick.
LAS VEGAS (Azat TV) – Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is reportedly considering an NFL comeback, igniting immediate interest from several teams, most notably the Las Vegas Raiders, where new head coach Klint Kubiak has historical ties to Carr. This potential return, following Carr’s abrupt retirement last year due to a shoulder injury, introduces a complex mix of opportunity and challenge for both the veteran signal-caller and quarterback-needy franchises.
Carr, 34, walked away from the remainder of a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints in 2025 after a 2024 season where he went 5-5 with a 101.0 quarterback rating, according to Heavy.com. Now, reports from NFL insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo confirm Carr is weighing a potential return, contingent on finding a Super Bowl-contending team and a substantial contract.
Carr’s Potential Reunion with Klint Kubiak and the Raiders
The most intriguing early speculation centers on the Las Vegas Raiders, where Derek Carr spent the first nine seasons of his career. With Klint Kubiak recently taking over as head coach, Carr’s name has been quickly attached to the franchise, as reported by CanalStreetChronicles.com. This connection suggests a natural fit given their shared history and Kubiak’s fresh start in Las Vegas. However, significant obstacles stand in the way of a reunion.
The Raiders currently have a hefty contract for quarterback Geno Smith and are widely expected to use their first overall draft pick on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. These factors, as noted by CanalStreetChronicles.com, make a Carr return to Las Vegas a challenging proposition despite the coaching connection.
Jets and Browns Among Other Potential Suitors
Beyond the Raiders, several other teams are reportedly in the mix for Carr’s services. The New York Jets have emerged as a prominent potential suitor, especially after hiring Bill Musgrave as their quarterbacks coach earlier this week. Musgrave served as Carr’s offensive coordinator during his most successful years with the then-Oakland Raiders, creating another compelling historical link, according to Jetswire.usatoday.com. Adding to the chatter, an old clip surfaced of Carr complimenting Jets coach Aaron Glenn, a good friend, further fueling speculation.
However, Carr’s stated desire to only play for a Super Bowl contender poses a challenge for the Jets, who finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record, as reported by Sports Illustrated. This poor performance could make convincing Carr a tough sell, despite his personal connections.
The Cleveland Browns are also reportedly ‘intrigued’ by Carr, who at 34, is considered ‘young in terms of quarterback years’ by Cleveland.com beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot. The Browns are in desperate need of a quarterback, facing a difficult draft class and limited free-agent options. Yet, Cleveland’s preference to avoid signing ‘older guys,’ as stated by General Manager Andrew Berry, and their significant existing investment in quarterback Deshaun Watson, complicate Carr’s fit. Furthermore, the Browns, despite having a strong defense, have offensive holes that might not align with Carr’s Super Bowl aspirations, according to Heavy.com.
Contractual Hurdles and Saints’ Leverage
Carr’s potential comeback also involves complex contractual dynamics. Having walked away from a $150 million deal, he is unlikely to return for a minimum salary. Experts suggest he could command a deal similar to Sam Darnold’s previous contract, potentially three years and $100 million, if he is committed to a return. This financial demand could be a hurdle for teams already managing significant salary cap commitments.
Moreover, the New Orleans Saints still retain Carr’s rights if he comes out of retirement, providing them with trade leverage. Any team pursuing Carr would likely need to negotiate a trade with the Saints, who could seek a return comparable to the 2025 trade of Geno Smith for a third-round pick, or potentially a 2026 fourth and seventh-round pick, as projected by CanalStreetChronicles.com.
Derek Carr’s reported return to the NFL presents a unique opportunity for a veteran quarterback to shape the fortunes of a new franchise, but the interplay between his Super Bowl ambitions, significant salary demands, and the specific needs and historical ties of potential suitors will ultimately determine his next destination.