Derek Carr Open to NFL Return 'If I Had Chance to Win Super Bowl'

Former Raiders and Saints QB says he'd consider comeback if right opportunity arises.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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In a recent podcast, former NFL quarterback Derek Carr said he would be open to returning to the league, but only if he had a chance to win a Super Bowl. Carr, who retired last year after stints with the Raiders and Saints, noted he has already turned down some teams, as he wants to be healthy and have a legitimate shot at a championship. The 34-year-old four-time Pro Bowler said he'd have to be the right situation for him to consider a comeback.

Why it matters

Carr was a productive starter for many years, so his potential return to the NFL would be noteworthy. Teams in need of quarterback help could view him as an experienced option, though his injury history and desire for a Super Bowl contender may limit his options.

The details

Carr spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Raiders before joining the Saints in 2023. He said he would only return to the NFL 'if I had a chance to win a Super Bowl' and that he has already turned down some teams. Carr's 2024 season with the Saints was cut short due to a hand injury and oblique issue.

  • Carr retired from the NFL last year.
  • Carr's 2024 campaign with the Saints was cut short in Week 14 due to a hand injury.

The players

Derek Carr

A four-time Pro Bowl quarterback who spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Raiders before joining the Saints in 2023. He retired from the NFL last year.

David Carr

Derek Carr's brother, who is also a former NFL quarterback and co-hosts a podcast with Derek.

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What they’re saying

“Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not. Would I do it? Absolutely, I would. I told you two things: I have to be healthy, and I'd want a chance to win a Super Bowl.”

— Derek Carr, Former NFL Quarterback (Home Grown with David & David Carr)

“I know [Derek is] healthy.”

— David Carr, Former NFL Quarterback (Home Grown with David & David Carr)

What’s next

Teams in need of quarterback help could reach out to Derek Carr to gauge his interest in a potential comeback, though his desire for a Super Bowl contender may limit his options.

The takeaway

Derek Carr's openness to returning to the NFL, but only if he has a chance to win a Super Bowl, highlights the challenges teams may face in luring experienced quarterbacks out of retirement. Carr's injury history and specific criteria for a comeback could make it difficult for him to find the right fit, but his potential return would be noteworthy given his past success as a starter.