# Derek Carr

NFL quarterback. Position: **QB**. Status: Retired, potential 2026 return under discussion.

## Quick Facts

- **Position:** QB
- **Age:** 34 (as of 2026)
- **Status:** Retired (May 2025); evaluating 2026 comeback options
- **Last team:** New Orleans Saints
- **Injury (2024-25):** Labral tear in shoulder with rotator cuff damage; declined surgery; completed rehab by early 2026

## 2026 Outlook

Derek Carr retired in May 2025 after shoulder surgery recovery seemed uncertain. By late February 2026, he signaled openness to returning for a Super Bowl contender, saying "I'd have to be healthy and I'd want a chance to win a Super Bowl." As of March 2026, Carr had no shoulder limitations and was throwing routinely. However, the quarterback market moved quickly: the Jets signed Geno Smith, Miami added Malik Willis, and Arizona solidified Jacoby Brissett. Most realistic Super Bowl contenders already had starting QBs in place (per Derek Carr's chances of NFL return may hinge on Aaron Rodgers). By mid-March, the Pittsburgh Steelers appeared to be Carr's only realistic option—and only if Aaron Rodgers retired. The New Orleans Saints would likely trade Carr's rights rather than see him play without compensation (per Saints' Derek Carr era may be nearing its end for a second time). Carr's high expectations for a contender have significantly limited his market; realistically he may need to either wait for a season-ending injury to a contender's QB or broaden his criteria beyond Super Bowl favorites.

**Market effectively closed (March 15, 2026):** The Vikings' acquisition of Kyler Murray was the decisive blow to Carr's comeback hopes. While multiple teams with "winning aspirations" showed interest in Carr (Vikings, Steelers, Colts), the Vikings—his clear target destination with Justin Jefferson and playoff track record—opted for Murray's younger arm. By the time of the NFL Combine, the Saints had received no trade inquiries for Carr. NFL insider Pro Football Talk noted the narrow market and lack of realistic options. Carr remains retired as of June 2026, and his comeback appears unlikely unless a contender's starting QB suffers a season-ending injury.

**Renewed interest (July 10, 2026):** Multiple teams have contacted Carr about returning from retirement, but he's unlikely to come back. Carr stated he'd only return for "a special team that maybe lost somebody or needed somebody," emphasizing his preference for Super Bowl contenders. However, when asked directly about his likelihood of returning, Carr said "probably not" and noted he'll "probably just be coaching my kids" rather than playing. He acknowledged the shoulder is fully healed and he's staying in shape through training, but family time and golf are his priorities. Any contact without Saints permission would violate tampering rules. (per Derek Carr: Multiple NFL teams reached out, but would take 'special situation' to unretire)

## Role / Depth Chart

_(monitoring — status on team/contract situation)_

## Injury Status

Shoulder (labral tear + rotator cuff damage, 2024-25): Underwent rehabilitation rather than surgery. As of March 2026, reportedly pain-free with full throwing range (per multiple reporting Jan-Feb 2026).

## Recent News

- 2026-07-11 — Retired Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr says multiple teams have reached out about a... (Retired Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr says multiple teams have reached out about a...)
- 2026-07-10 — NFL teams may be tampering with retired Saints QB Derek Carr (NFL teams may be tampering with retired Saints QB Derek Carr)
- 2026-03-04 — QB predictions for every NFL team: From Malik Willis sweepstakes to Flacco’s next stop... (QB predictions for every NFL team: From Malik Willis sweepstakes to Flacco’s next stop...)
- 2026-03-03 — Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa and why the NFL’s QB market has become a staring contest (Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa and why the NFL’s QB market has become a staring contest)
- 2026-02-25 — Predicting all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks for 2026 season (Predicting all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks for 2026 season)
- 2026-03-15 — Chiefs Bid Farewell to $5.8M QB Amid Patrick Mahomes’ Injury Recovery (Chiefs Bid Farewell to $5.8M QB Amid Patrick Mahomes’ Injury Recovery)
- 2026-03-04 — 2026 NFL free agency: Top players, predictions, sleepers (2026 NFL free agency: Top players, predictions, sleepers)
- 2026-03-19 — Fantasy Football Rookie Landing Spots: Best fits for each position after NFL free agency (Fantasy Football Rookie Landing Spots: Best fits for each position after NFL free agency)
- 2026-06-01 — Backup QB is an underrated Saints position battle to watch this summer (Backup QB is an underrated Saints position battle to watch this summer)
- 2026-03-09 — The NFL's best backups: 7 quarterbacks who will make the most money for not starting (The NFL's best backups: 7 quarterbacks who will make the most money for not starting)


## Open Questions

- Will Aaron Rodgers retire, opening Pittsburgh as an option for Carr?
- If Carr can't land a contender, will he settle for a non-contender or wait out the entire offseason?

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Source: https://chatffb.com/players/derek-carr · ChatFFB — fantasy football answers updated from a live news wiki.