Derek Carr's NFL Comeback Talk Heats Up as Teams Weigh Possible Fits

Former starting quarterback Derek Carr has signaled he could return to the NFL if presented with a winning opportunity and the right situation. The four-time Pro Bowler, who abruptly retired last May, has made clear he would only come back if he can be healthy and has a legitimate shot at a championship; that stance is already drawing interest around the league as teams search for experienced quarterbacks this offseason.

What Carr says he wants

Carr has been explicit about the terms that would lure him back. "Would I do it? Yes, " he said on his podcast. "Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not. … I have to be healthy, and I'd want a chance to win a Super Bowl. " His brother, a former NFL quarterback, has also said he believes Carr is healthy and capable of returning to play.

That clarity matters. Carr left the game after a season interrupted by injuries, including a labral tear and significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff, plus a hand injury late in 2024 and an oblique issue earlier that year. Any team engaging with Carr will want a thorough medical picture, but the quarterback’s public insistence on health and winning as prerequisites will narrow the field to contenders or teams on the brink of contention.

Teams that make sense — and the sticking points

Several franchises could present attractive scenarios for Carr, depending on whether he wants to compete for a starting job or step in as a veteran who can lead immediately. The Pittsburgh situation is an obvious match on paper: a roster that expects to contend now, the willingness to bring in veteran quarterbacks, and offensive pieces that could help a passer win right away. Pittsburgh’s new coaching staff will be a key factor; how Carr would mesh with the scheme and leadership will determine whether the pairing progresses from plausible to likely.

Minnesota represents another clear option if Carr is open to a competition role. The Vikings saw their young starter struggle in his first season and could benefit from an experienced hand who can both start and push the younger quarterback in camp. The presence of top receiving talent would be an attractive draw for a veteran passer, but the Vikings’ salary-cap picture and roster construction could complicate any late pursuit.

The Jets are in need of reliable quarterback play after trying multiple options, while Atlanta could also consider a veteran if the new regime is unconvinced by its existing young passer. A reunion with the Raiders seems less likely despite Carr’s history with that franchise; the team is expected to take a rookie quarterback with the top overall pick, which would limit opportunities for a veteran return to that market.

Across potential suitors, two themes emerge: teams will weigh Carr’s immediate ability to help them win now, and Carr will weigh his chance at a realistic Super Bowl path. That combination will make his decision highly situational — attractive contracts and strong rosters could tip the balance, while uncertain coaching staffs and poor supporting casts likely won’t.

Next steps and timeline

For now, momentum appears to be building as agents and front offices discuss options in this offseason that lacks many proven quarterback upgrades. If an organization offers a compelling mix of health assurance, supporting talent and a credible coaching plan, Carr could unretire and re-enter the market quickly. Otherwise, his comments signal a willingness to remain retired rather than sign with a team that doesn’t meet his standards for health and championship potential.

Expect teams in need of a short-term stabilizer to make calls once rosters and draft decisions become clearer. Whatever happens, Carr’s criteria — health first, then a legitimate chance to win a title — will govern whether the veteran returns to the field this season.