Saints Weigh Options for Derek Carr Trade After Rookie Emergence

New Orleans could capitalize on veteran QB's recovery and trade interest from QB-needy teams

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints find themselves in an advantageous position as they navigate the offseason. After a sudden medical retirement forced them to rely on young quarterbacks in 2025, the possibility of veteran Derek Carr's return to the NFL has emerged, coupled with his apparent recovery and a potential trade market. While the Saints discovered a promising franchise option in rookie Tyler Shough, Carr's availability presents an opportunity for the team to capitalize on his services through a trade.

Why it matters

The Saints could potentially trade the 34-year-old Carr and acquire valuable draft capital in return. Several quarterback-needy teams around the league are actively searching for stability at the position, and Carr could offer a steady presence for a team aiming to contend immediately.

The details

Carr's retirement last offseason stemmed from a shoulder injury that significantly hampered his throwing ability. However, recent reports indicate substantial healing, allowing him to perform the necessary movements for throwing a football. This development has sparked interest from several teams around the league, creating a scenario where the Saints could potentially trade the veteran quarterback.

  • Carr retired from the NFL prior to the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury.
  • Recent reports indicate Carr has recovered from his shoulder injury and is able to throw a football effectively again.

The players

Derek Carr

A 34-year-old veteran quarterback who retired from the NFL prior to the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, but has since recovered and is drawing trade interest from several teams.

Tyler Shough

A promising young quarterback who emerged as the Saints' starter in 2025 after Carr's retirement.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback who suffered an Achilles tendon tear at the end of the 2025 season, introducing uncertainty at the position.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL insider who has reported on the potential trade market for Derek Carr.

Tom Pelissero

An NFL insider who has reported on the potential trade market for Derek Carr.

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What they’re saying

“The situation is particularly intriguing given the current landscape of quarterback-needy teams. Several franchises are actively searching for stability at the position, and Carr, despite his recent health concerns, could offer a steady presence for a team aiming to contend immediately.”

— Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, NFL Insiders (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The Saints will explore trade offers from interested teams to determine the optimal return for Derek Carr's services, with the Indianapolis Colts emerging as a potential landing spot.

The takeaway

The Saints' ability to secure compensation for Carr's services would be a significant win, especially considering the circumstances surrounding his initial retirement. The team's front office now has the opportunity to evaluate offers from interested teams and determine the optimal trade scenario that maximizes their return.