In the latest NFL trade rumors, former Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr might consider coming out of retirement, but under one condition this upcoming season. Carr appeared on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, stating that multiple teams have reached out to him about coming out of retirement. However, when the QB was available to sign, he encountered a “tepid” market, so the veteran decided to remain out of football. However, it’s still a possibility that the 35-year-old could play one more season before heading off into the sunset:
“I never say never,” Carr said. “It would take a special situation. There were multiple teams that reached out to me this offseason. I won’t say who or how, but they reached out and were gauging my interest in what I wanted to do. They were good, solid football teams.”
After seeing Philip Rivers unretire last year to join the Indianapolis Colts, you have to say “never say never.” Originally selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Fresno State product may be more open during the 2026 season to help a team that’s down a QB. What will it take to make that happen?
NFL Trade Rumors: Former $37M Star Could Unretire During 2026 Season
New Orleans Saints Hold Contractual Rights
The only thing stopping the QB from pursuing a comeback is that the New Orleans Saints still own rights, so they would have to trade him. This doesn’t mean New Orleans will hold him hostage, but don’t be surprised if the team decides to keep him. Tyler Shough won the starting job over Spencer Rattler, but it doesn’t mean he’s the long-term answer for New Orleans. If he can’t meet expectations this upcoming season, the Saints could bring back Carr.
“I’m just at the point where I just want to win. I want to win. So if I were to do it, it would have to be a special team that maybe lost somebody or needed somebody, but even then, it’s not guaranteed. I’m having too much fun hanging out with my wife, hanging out with my kids, and trying to get good at golf. So it would take a special deal.”
Are potential NFL teams ready to give up some draft capital to get QB help? Maybe it depends on which team it is. At the same time, if Shough goes down with a season-ending injury similar to Colts’ QB Daniel Jones this year, expect the Saints to make the call. Here are three teams that might be willing to get the former 2014 NFL Draft selection during the upcoming campaign.
Potential Fits
Indianapolis Colts
Last season, Daniel Jones suffered a gruesome season-ending injury, which saw Rivers come out of retirement at 7-1. While Jones is back for another two years, there’s no guarantee he can stay healthy for the remainder of his career. The Colts will need a plan B if they want a chance at postseason contention in 2027. If Indianapolis loses Jones yet again, the Colts could work out a deal to get Carr.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers aren’t fully committed to QB Bryce Young. They want to sign him to a long-term extension, but are waiting to see how he performs this upcoming season. After agreeing to a new deal with WR Jalen Coker and drafting Chris Brazzell, the Panthers’ QBs have enough weapons to succeed. If Young can’t live up to the moment, don’t be surprised if head coach Dave Canales benches him yet again.
The team signed Kenny Pickett to a one-year deal as their newest backup. Could they still find a way to get Carr? Absolutely.
Minnesota Vikings
In the latest reports, new free agent QB acquisition Kyler Murray could request a trade from the Minnesota Vikings if he loses the battle against JJ McCarthy for the starting role. Murray is entering a pivotal point in his career, having one last chance to earn a new long-term deal. If he remains a backup, he probably won’t accept the fate. If that’s the case, expect the Vikings to have Carr on speed dial if McCarthy can’t stay healthy.
