Full Breakdown
Derek Carr Weighs a Comeback After Retirement, Says Only a “Special Situation” Would Entice Him
7/12/2026, 6:25:50 AM
Core Event: Retirement and Ongoing Outreach
Former NFL quarterback Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler who retired in May 2025 at age 35 after 11 seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints, disclosed that “multiple teams” contacted him during the 2025-26 offseason to gauge his interest in returning to the league. Carr emphasized that any return would require a “special situation” and a realistic chance to win a Super Bowl.
Background & Context: Injuries and Contractual Status
Carr’s retirement followed a 2025 season marred by a right-shoulder labral tear and significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff, discovered during medical scans in March 2025. The Saints, who own his contractual rights after signing him to a four-year, $150 million deal in 2023, would need to trade those rights for any team to acquire him. The franchise drafted quarterback Tyler Shough in the 2025 NFL Draft, suggesting a possible willingness to move Carr’s rights if a “special deal” emerged. Carr has remained in shape, citing family time and golf as current priorities.
Data & Statistics: Final Season Performance
In his last season, Carr appeared in 10 games, completing 67.7 % of his passes for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, posting a 101.0 passer rating—the second-best of his career. The Saints went 5-5 in his starts. Over 169 career regular-season games, Carr compiled a 77-92 record, a 65.1 % completion rate, 41,245 passing yards, 257 touchdowns and 112 interceptions.
Official Statements & Responses
Carr repeatedly stressed that he “never say never” but would only consider a roster spot that maximizes his chance to win. He noted that any prospective team would need to be “good, solid football teams” with a clear path to contention. The Saints have not publicly commented on the outreach, but their ownership of Carr’s rights remains a procedural hurdle for any potential return.
Criticism & Opposition
No source provided criticism of Carr’s statements or of the teams’ outreach. Media coverage has focused on his personal criteria rather than external dissent.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Age and Retirement Timing: One source lists Carr as 34 at retirement, while others state he was 35.
- Injury Details: Some reports emphasize the shoulder labral tear and rotator-cuff degeneration; others also mention a fractured hand and concussion that ended his 2025 season.
- Surgical Decision: Certain accounts note that surgery was considered but not guaranteed to restore his prior strength, whereas other excerpts suggest Carr declined surgery in favor of natural healing.
These discrepancies highlight incomplete public information about the exact medical timeline and Carr’s definitive health status.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There were multiple teams that reached out to me this offseason. I won't say who or how, but they reached out and was just gauging my interest on what I wanted to do. They were good, solid football teams,” — Derek Carr
- “I never say never. It would take a special situation,” — Derek Carr
- “I'm having too much fun hanging out with my wife, hanging out with my kids and trying to get good at golf. So, it would take a special deal.” — Derek Carr
- “I’m always training. I’ll be in shape and ready, but probably not. I’ll probably be just coaching my kids,” — Derek Carr
- “I think I’m just at the point where I just want to win. I want to win,” — Derek Carr
What’s Next
As of July 10 2026, Carr remains retired, stating that no offer has yet met the “special situation” criteria he set. No formal negotiations or trade discussions have been announced, leaving his future involvement in the NFL uncertain.
