Derek Carr's abrupt retirement last May came as somewhat of a surprise to many during the 2025 offseason and eliminated a possible short-term solution for quarterback-needy teams.
Nine months later, momentum appears to be building toward a possible return to the NFL for the four-time Pro Bowler. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported on Super Bowl Sunday that Carr could possibly unretire for the 2026 season if he encounters an interested party (or parties) with the right situation and coaching staff.
In an offseason that won't include many quality options under center, Carr would instantly land at or near the top of the list. One fit with his old team, the Las Vegas Raiders, comes to mind given his history with new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak (Kubiak was the Saints OC in 2024) and Carr's familiarity with the franchise, but because the Raiders are expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in April, that reunion seems unlikely.
With this in mind, let's explore a few potential landing spots for the signal-caller, who turns 35 this March.
The Steelers have made a habit of enlisting mercenary veterans to fill their void under center over the last two seasons and will likely be in the market for another in 2026. Pittsburgh lacks a young candidate at the position and maintains an expectation to contend immediately after Aaron Rodgers helped them win the AFC North in 2025, making for a natural fit for Carr -- unless, of course, Rodgers returns for a second season.
There are questions to answer, though, starting with how Carr might align with new head coach Mike McCarthy. On paper, the rest of the situation should entice Carr, including the presence of DK Metcalf and the possibility that Carr could make it a multi-season home if things go well.
It would behoove Pittsburgh to add to its receiving corps in order to strengthen their pitch to Carr. One look at how the Steelers added (and relied on) Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling down the stretch last season explains why they need reinforcements at the position. Otherwise, though, this seems like an ideal pairing for a quarterback considering unretiring.
If Carr is interested in manning a backup role that could include a camp competition for the starting job, he'll find that in Minnesota. J.J. McCarthy didn't cement his role as the Vikings' franchise quarterback in his first season as their starter and has plenty of work ahead of him this offseason. Minnesota might not exercise as much patience in 2026, either, not after they watched their playoff hopes evaporate this past season because of unreliability under center.
Carr would address Minnesota's need for a proven veteran capable of handling the job -- an area which former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah admitted he'd misjudged prior to being fired in January -- and could also push McCarthy in camp. Carr might also be enticed by the presence of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson. Ultimately, this fit might depend on whether Carr is interested in competing for a job, or if he'd rather walk into a situation that has him penciled in as QB1. Money matters, too, and the Vikings have a salary cap hole to dig out of before they can start thinking about Carr.
The Jets are in desperate need of help under center. Justin Fields didn't work out, Tyrod Taylor fell victim to their general offensive weaknesses and undrafted free agent Brady Cook proved to be one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL after he was thrown into the fire out of necessity, struggling with a receiving corps that was revamped in the middle of the season.
This doesn't sound like the ideal situation Carr is seeking. But Carr would walk directly into a starting job for a team with whom he'd flirted back in 2023, when he was one of a handful of notable quarterbacks considering new homes (Rodgers eventually landed in New York, diverting Carr to New Orleans).
The Jets' situation is vastly different now. Such a pairing would likely require a generous financial offer upon acquiring the rights to Carr via trade. It's not impossible, but it's less attractive than the aforementioned two.
The Dolphins are expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa this offseason and might only have Quinn Ewers, heading into his second pro season, as their best remaining option. With a roster that is talented enough to contend and includes stars like De'Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins only need a proven starter to complete the majority of their offensive picture. They'd find that in Carr, who would need to be convinced of new head coach Jeff Hafley's vision but could find a welcome home in warm and sunny Miami.
With a projected deficit of $16 million entering 2026, Miami would likely need to create some cap space in order to make this possible. If they want Carr badly enough, though, they'll find a way to make it work.
