Ahead of the Super Bowl, NFL rumors surfaced that quarterback Derek Carr might be eyeing a return to the National Football League in 2026. With so many quarterback-needy teams this offseason, the veteran recently shed light on the kind of landing spot he’s looking for.
On the latest episode of his podcast, Carr said that “yes” he would absolutely be willing to make a return as a starting quarterback in the NFL. However, he’s unwilling to do it for just any team and it would require great health and a team ready to win for him to consider it.
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“Would I do it? Absolutely, I would do it. I told you two things. I’d have to be healthy, and I would want a chance to win a Super Bowl. And obviously, that’s a tough thing to find. That’s hard to do.””
Derek Carr on a potential NFL return in 2026
Carr, who turns 35 in March, last played in 2024 with the New Orleans Saints. Following that season, he announced his retirement in May 2025 and stated he did not want to undergo the surgery required to address long-standing pain in his throwing shoulder from a labral tear.
Nearly one year later, he is keeping the door open to a return under the right circumstances. Given his insistence that it would need to be with a team capable of winning the Super Bowl, that rules out clubs like the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and the Arizona Cardinals.
Realistically, the only options left would seem to be the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts. However, the Colts are expected to re-sign Daniel Jones and there is a growing belief that Aaron Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh next season.
Minnesota and Atlanta will both be in the market for a cost-effective veteran starter this offseason and Carr certainly checks that box. However, the limitations he displayed as a passer two seasons ago would also suggest that he is not the caliber of quarterback any franchise would have confidence would improve its chances of winning a Super Bowl.
