Derek Carr, the veteran quarterback who stepped away from professional football last spring, has opened the door to a potential return to the NFL in 2026. However, the 34-year-old signal-caller has made it abundantly clear that any comeback would come with significant strings attached. In a recent episode of his podcast, "Home Grown with David & Derek Carr," the former Pro Bowl quarterback outlined the precise conditions that would need to be met for him to dust off his cleats and return to the gridiron.
The foundation of Carr's potential return rests on two non-negotiable pillars: his physical health and a legitimate opportunity to compete for a championship. "Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not," Carr stated emphatically during the podcast. "I told you two things: I 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."
Carr's brother and co-host, David Carr, interjected to confirm that Derek is indeed physically prepared for the rigors of professional football. The younger Carr's sheepish chuckle served as tacit confirmation that his body has recovered from the injury that prematurely ended his career with the New Orleans Saints.
The injury in question—a labral tear in his rotator cuff—was the catalyst for Carr's surprising retirement announcement last spring. The quarterback faced a difficult decision: undergo surgery that would have sidelined him for the entire season or walk away from the game entirely. Ultimately, Carr and the Saints organization reached a mutual agreement on a retirement pact, allowing the team to move forward while giving Carr time to heal without the pressure of an immediate return.
Now, nearly a year later, Carr's health appears to be a non-issue. The quarterback's physical readiness, combined with a quarterback market that many analysts consider questionable for the upcoming offseason, has naturally led to speculation about his future. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday that Carr could indeed unretire in 2026 if the ideal circumstances materialize.
The concept of "ideal circumstances" is where Carr's situation becomes particularly intriguing. The quarterback isn't merely looking for any starting job; he's seeking a perfect storm of factors that would maximize his chances of capturing the elusive Super Bowl title that has defined his career aspirations. This means joining a team that already possesses a championship-caliber roster and, perhaps just as importantly, a coaching staff that aligns with his vision and playing style.
Carr's selective approach has already been put into practice. According to his own admission, he turned down multiple opportunities during the season, demonstrating his commitment to waiting for the right situation rather than jumping at the first offer. "I had to say no a couple of times so far," Carr revealed, highlighting his patience and discernment in evaluating potential destinations.
One of the teams that reportedly reached out to Carr was the Cincinnati Bengals, who found themselves in desperate need of quarterback depth after franchise cornerstone Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury. While the Bengals' interest speaks to Carr's perceived value around the league, the veteran quarterback clearly didn't view the situation as optimal for his championship ambitions, despite Cincinnati's recent success.
The challenge for Carr—and any team interested in his services—is that franchises with both Super Bowl-worthy rosters and quarterback vacancies are exceedingly rare. Most championship-caliber teams have established signal-callers, while teams with quarterback openings are often in rebuilding mode. This reality makes Carr's quest for the perfect fit a daunting one.
Complicating matters further is the contractual situation with the Saints. Despite his retirement, New Orleans still holds Carr's contract rights, meaning any team wishing to sign him would need to work out a compensation arrangement with the Saints organization. However, the NFL Network Insiders suggest that the price tag wouldn't be "unreasonable" for a player who has no future in New Orleans. The Saints have already moved on, making it likely they'd be amenable to a reasonable trade offer rather than playing hardball with a retired player.
That said, the Saints could theoretically use their leverage in certain situations. For instance, if a division rival like the Atlanta Falcons expressed interest in bringing in the veteran quarterback, New Orleans could potentially drive a harder bargain or even refuse to cooperate. While such a scenario remains speculative, it adds another layer of complexity to Carr's potential return.
The conversation about Carr's future inevitably leads to speculation about which teams might fit his criteria. During the podcast, David Carr made several references to his brother potentially joining a "purple and gold" team, quickly clarifying that he was referring to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the comment didn't escape notice from NFL observers, as the Minnesota Vikings also sport purple and gold uniforms and find themselves in an interesting quarterback situation.
The Vikings currently have J.J. McCarthy, a young quarterback with significant potential but limited experience. Adding a veteran like Carr to push McCarthy for the starting spot—or serve as a high-level mentor—could align with Minnesota's win-now mentality while also developing their quarterback of the future. The Vikings' roster features several elite weapons and a defense capable of competing at a high level, potentially making them an attractive destination for a quarterback seeking a championship opportunity.
Beyond Minnesota, other teams could theoretically enter the conversation depending on how the offseason unfolds. The key for Carr is finding an organization that checks all his boxes: championship-ready roster, compatible coaching staff, and a clear path to the starting job. It's a tall order, but Carr appears content to remain patient rather than compromise on his vision.
The quarterback's methodical approach to his potential comeback reflects a broader trend among veteran players who have the luxury of being selective. Having earned significant money throughout his career and established himself as a respected leader, Carr doesn't need to return to the NFL. His comeback would be driven purely by the desire to achieve the ultimate team goal in professional football: winning a Super Bowl.
This mindset distinguishes Carr from other players who might return for financial reasons or simply because they miss the game. While Carr undoubtedly misses competing, his comments suggest he's only willing to make that sacrifice for a genuine shot at glory. It's a high-risk, high-reward proposition—joining a new team, learning a new system, and putting his body on the line after a year away from the game.
The NFL's current quarterback landscape makes Carr's situation particularly fascinating. With several teams potentially looking for veteran stability and others seeking upgrades, a healthy Derek Carr represents an intriguing option. His experience, leadership, and proven ability to perform at a high level could be valuable assets for the right organization.
As the 2026 offseason approaches, all eyes will be on Carr and the teams that might pursue him. The veteran quarterback has set clear parameters for his return, and now it's up to the NFL's landscape to provide the opportunity he's seeking. Whether that perfect situation materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Derek Carr is healthy, prepared, and waiting for his championship moment.