Derek Carr's NFL comeback attempt fails to draw interest

The four-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement in 2024 due to a shoulder injury but now wants to return to the league.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:38pm

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Former Saints quarterback Derek Carr, 34, announced his retirement after the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury. However, in mid-February, Carr stated that he would be interested in an NFL comeback, saying he'd return "for a chance to win a Super Bowl." Despite Carr's interest, his teased comeback has yet to generate any enthusiasm from teams around the league.

Why it matters

Carr's potential comeback is noteworthy as he was a four-time Pro Bowler during his 11-year career with the Raiders and Saints. However, his inability to generate interest from teams highlights the challenges facing veteran quarterbacks looking to return to the NFL after retirement.

The details

Carr is still under contract with the Saints, meaning interested teams would have to work out a trade to acquire him. Several teams have already filled their quarterback needs in free agency, leaving the Steelers and Cardinals as the only remaining teams in need of a first-string QB. Carr could potentially draw interest from Pittsburgh if Aaron Rodgers departs in free agency, or if the Steelers don't select a quarterback in the draft.

  • Carr announced his retirement after the 2024 campaign.
  • In mid-February 2026, Carr stated he would be interested in an NFL comeback.

The players

Derek Carr

A 34-year-old former NFL quarterback who played 11 seasons in the league, making four Pro Bowls. He announced his retirement in 2024 due to a shoulder injury but is now interested in making an NFL comeback.

New Orleans Saints

The NFL team that Carr played for in 2024 before retiring due to injury.

Pittsburgh Steelers

One of the remaining NFL teams in need of a starting quarterback, which could potentially be a landing spot for Carr if he makes a comeback.

Arizona Cardinals

The other remaining NFL team in need of a starting quarterback, which could potentially be a landing spot for Carr if he makes a comeback.

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What they’re saying

“Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not. I'd have to be healthy and I'd want a chance to win a Super Bowl. And obviously, that's a tough thing to find. That's hard to do. That's not easy.”

— Derek Carr

“I had to say no a couple times so far.”

— Derek Carr

What’s next

Carr's potential return to the NFL will likely depend on whether a contending team suffers a starting quarterback injury, creating a need for a veteran stopgap.

The takeaway

Derek Carr's attempted NFL comeback has so far failed to generate interest from teams, highlighting the challenges facing veteran quarterbacks looking to return to the league after retirement. Carr's path back to the pros may depend on an injury to a contending team's starter, creating a need for his services.