Derek Carr reportedly not ruling out return to NFL: 'Never say never'
- - Derek Carr reportedly not ruling out return to NFL: 'Never say never'
Tarohn FinleyFebruary 8, 2026 at 8:39 PM
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Derek Carr's retirement might last for only one season. The former Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints quarterback is reportedly considering ending his retirement if there's a team that provides the "right fit and coaching staff," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
"Never say never," Carr said in September when asked about a return on The Dan Patrick Show. "Because I've learned that when I say never, it usually happens."
Carr was banged up at the end of his tenure with the Saints. The 34-year-old retired in May after a labral tear in his shoulder and damage to his rotator cuff threatened his availability for the 2025-2026 season.
Despite his injury, teams remained interested in Carr as injuries piled up at the quarterback position. When Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow went down, the Cincinnati Bengals reportedly inquired about Carr before trading for Joe Flacco.
With limited options to acquire a quarterback in free agency and the draft, Carr is expected to be in demand this offseason. Despite still being under contract with the Saints, he was replaced this season by rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
Carr is also more than a year removed from injuring his shoulder, which he suffered in the 2024-2025 season. He opted against getting surgery and decided to rehab his shoulder. Carr reportedly has no shoulder limitations and has improved to the point where he is routinely throwing.
The Raiders are one team that has reportedly been linked to Carr. He spent his first nine years with the franchise after getting drafted in 2014, spending time in both Oakland and Las Vegas. He helped lead the Raiders to two playoff appearances and is the Raiders' all-time leading passer, having thrown for 35,222 yards.
Carr is also familiar with new Raiders head coach and current Seahawks offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak. The Raiders have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are expected to target Indiana's quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Source: “AOL Sports”
