Derek Carr Addresses Potential NFL Return Amid Latest Rumors on Ending Retirement

Derek Carr called it a career last May, but the former quarterback revealed Thursday that he would return to the NFL under the right circumstances.

On his and his brother's podcast, Home Grown with David and Derek Carr, he said what it would take for him to end his retirement.

"Would I do it? Absolutely, I would do it," he said. "I told you two things. I'd have to be healthy, and I would want a chance to win a Super Bowl. And obviously, that's a tough thing to find. That's hard to do."

Carr announced his retirement after spending the 2024 season with the New Orleans Saints. His retirement was due in part to a torn labrum.

"Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I've decided to retire from the National Football League," Carr said. "For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It's difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us."

By retiring, Carr passed up on $30 million in guaranteed money from the Saints, a decision he said "wasn't easy." If Carr were to suit up again, it would likely be for far less than he was making before his retirement.

Thursday's podcast wasn't the first indication that Carr is considering a comeback. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported last week that sources said "the right situation and coaching staff could lure Carr back onto the field."

In his prime, Carr was a strong starting quarterback who earned four Pro Bowl nods throughout his career. Unfortunately, injuries got in the way and ended his career perhaps earlier than he would have wanted.

The 2025 season proved that a quarterback making a return to the NFL is not impossible — just ask Philip Rivers. Perhaps the 34-year-old Carr will get the chance to make his comeback in 2026.