Derek Carr Hints at NFL Comeback, But Only for Super Bowl Contender

Former Saints QB says he'd unretire, but only for the right team and coaching staff

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:55am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football quarterback in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the multifaceted nature of a veteran player's potential return to the NFL.A cubist interpretation of a veteran quarterback's potential comeback, deconstructing the complex factors and high stakes involved.Minnesota City Today

Retired NFL quarterback Derek Carr has hinted that he would consider an NFL comeback, but only if the right opportunity presented itself - a championship-caliber team with the right coaching staff that gives him a chance to win a Super Bowl. Carr, who retired last spring due to a shoulder injury, says he'd be open to unretiring, but not for just any team. His brother David Carr suggested Derek could be interested in joining a 'purple and gold' team, potentially hinting at the Minnesota Vikings as a possible landing spot.

Why it matters

Carr's potential comeback would be a major storyline in the 2026 NFL offseason, as teams with Super Bowl aspirations and a need at quarterback would likely pursue the veteran signal-caller. However, the Saints still hold Carr's contract rights, which could complicate any potential return.

The details

Carr retired last spring after suffering a labral tear in his rotator cuff, an injury that could have been surgically repaired but would have jeopardized his ability to play last season. The Saints and Carr mutually agreed on the retirement. Now, Carr says he'd consider unretiring, but only for a team that gives him a chance to win a Super Bowl. He's already turned down offers during the season, including one from the Bengals after Joe Burrow's injury. With the Saints still holding his contract rights, Carr's path back to the field is anything but straightforward.

  • Carr retired from the NFL last spring due to a shoulder injury.
  • Carr hinted at a potential comeback during his 'Home Grown with David & Derek Carr' podcast in April 2026.

The players

Derek Carr

A 34-year-old former NFL quarterback who retired last spring due to a shoulder injury, but is now hinting at a potential comeback to the league.

David Carr

Derek Carr's brother, who jokingly suggested Derek could join a 'purple and gold' team, potentially hinting at the Minnesota Vikings as a possible landing spot.

New Orleans Saints

The NFL team that still holds Derek Carr's contract rights, which could complicate any potential comeback attempt.

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What they’re saying

“Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not. I'd want a chance to win a Super Bowl. That's hard to find.”

— Derek Carr, Retired NFL Quarterback

“Derek's health is crucial, as his retirement last spring was prompted by a labral tear in his rotator cuff—an injury that could have been surgically repaired but would have jeopardized his ability to play last season.”

— David Carr, Derek Carr's Brother

What’s next

The Saints and Derek Carr would need to work out a deal to facilitate any potential comeback, as the Saints still hold his contract rights. Teams with Super Bowl aspirations and a need at quarterback would likely pursue Carr if he decides to unretire.

The takeaway

Derek Carr's potential NFL comeback is a high-stakes gamble, as the veteran quarterback is only interested in joining a championship-caliber team that gives him a chance to win a Super Bowl. With the Saints still holding his contract rights, Carr's path back to the field is anything but straightforward, but his willingness to unretire for the right opportunity could make him a coveted free agent if he follows through.