Derek Carr retired from the NFL prior to the start of last season, however that doesn’t mean that he and the league have completely moved on from each other.
Carr, 34, reportedly has considered ending his retirement if there’s a team that provides the “right fit and coaching staff,” per NFL Network.
“Never say never,” the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback said in September when asked about a return on “The Dan Patrick Show.”
“Because I’ve learned that when I say never, it usually happens.”
Carr retired last May due to a labral tear in his shoulder and damage to his rotator cuff.
The injuries at that time, however, didn’t stop teams from inquiring about his services. One such team reportedly was the Cincinnati Bengals, who saw Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow go down early in the season. The Bengals ultimately elected to sign Joe Flacco to address their quarterback situation.
A now-healthy Carr remains under contract with the New Orleans Saints, who moved on last season with rookie Tyler Shough. It is believed he and the Saints could reach an agreement on the contract issue.
He potentially could have an opportunity in Las Vegas for a reunion with the Raiders.
His offensive coordinator with the Saints in 2024, Klint Kubiak, holds the same post with the Seattle Seahawks — and he is expected to accept the Raiders’ head-coaching position after Sunday’s Super Bowl LX. The Raiders hold the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, but the Raiders might want an experienced starter while Mendoza waits in the wings.
Carr threw for 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns against 112 interceptions in 169 games for the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2014-22) and Saints. He was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Fresno State.
