Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
As the current New Orleans Saints quarterback makes headlines for embracing the culture of the city, a past starter that didn’t find as much success in that pivotal category is now lighting up the NFL new cycle. Saints quarterback Derek Carr is, unsurprisingly, already being linked to a team for a potential return.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Minnesota Vikings are a team to watch in the event Carr were to come out of retirement.
Several potential landing spots could be open in a quarterback-needy market this offseason that doesn’t have the supply to meet the demand. Carr and his brother have continued to tease the idea of a return as well, furthering the potential of this move.
Carr shockingly retired last offseason after the Saints hired head coach Kellen Moore and drafted Shough in the second round, the franchise’s highest drafted quarterback since 1971.
Shough would go on to have an impressive year, culminated by a second-place finish for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award and taking home the fan-voted Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year trophy.
Hence, a return for Carr wouldn’t bring him back to New Orleans. But, a return to the field for the 11-year veteran would still have a New Orleans impact. The team that wants to acquire him would have to provide compensation via trade to the Saints, who still own the quarterback’s playing rights for the 2026 season.
Former Raiders QB Derek Carr is asked about Klint Kubiak possibly being the next Raiders Head Coach
“That would be so awesome”
David Carr “Yea would it be? How awesome? (Starts singing I’m coming home) if you get Klint, maybe” 🤔 👀 pic.twitter.com/DfoeogMzFf
— ShifftttyyyQB1🏴☠️ (@raiders1022) January 5, 2026
The quarterback’s retirement was linked to a shoulder injury that included a labral tear and additional rotator cuff damage. Rapoport reports that efforts to rehabilitate the shoulder have been fruitful.
“Carr took several months off to rest and sources say his shoulder has responded well, leading Carr to slowly begin rehabbing as the season unfolded,” he wrote. “His shoulder has now improved to the point where he is throwing fully as part of his regular exercise routine. Teams have learned Carr currently has no shoulder limitations.”
With no shoulder limitations, Carr could be back on the market, one that could yield some manageable draft capital back for the Saints.
It’s likely that New Orleans would receive, at most, a package of Day Three picks for the signal caller. But with the success of the 2025 draft class including third day players like cornerback Quincy Riley, linebacker Danny Stutsman and running back Devin Neal, receiving similar selections for the 2026 or 2027 draft could lead to acquiring more impactful talent.
This will be a developing story to watch through what should be an eventful Saints offseason.
