Derek Carr’s NFL Return Remains Uncertain as Trade Market Stalls

Derek Carr, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback, announced his willingness to return to the NFL under the right circumstances – a chance to compete for a Super Bowl. However, as of mid-March 2026, the Saints have yet to receive any trade inquiries regarding his contract, signaling a potentially stalled path back to the league.

Limited Interest Following Free Agency

Despite Carr’s stated desire to rejoin a contender, several teams with quarterback needs have already addressed those positions during free agency. The Miami Dolphins acquired Malik Willis, the New York Jets brought in Geno Smith, the Minnesota Vikings added Kyler Murray, and the Atlanta Falcons secured Tua Tagovailoa, diminishing the potential landing spots for Carr. NBC Sports and NFL Trade Rumors both reported on the lack of interest.

Potential Options: Steelers and Cardinals

Currently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals are the only two teams without a clear starting quarterback. However, the Cardinals are not widely considered Super Bowl contenders. The Steelers present a more plausible, though still uncertain, option. A potential scenario for Carr in Pittsburgh hinges on Aaron Rodgers’ decision regarding his future with the team and whether the Steelers select Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Raiders’ Draft Plans and Contingency Plans

The Las Vegas Raiders, where Carr spent the first nine years of his career, are expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. If a contending team experiences a significant quarterback injury before the trade deadline, Carr could emerge as a viable alternative.

Industry Skepticism

An unnamed NFL General Manager told Jason La Canfora that the talk of Carr’s return is largely driven by media speculation, stating, “I think you guys (in the media) are talking more about this than us. The Saints don’t have a market for him. That’s a really bad contract. He’s going to stay retired.”

Carr’s Contract and Career Overview

Derek Carr, 34, was originally drafted by the Raiders in 2014. He signed a five-year, $125 million extension with the Raiders in 2017 and later a three-year, $121.5 million extension with the Saints. He is currently under contract with the Saints through 2026, with a base salary of $40 million and a total compensation of $50 million scheduled for that year. Throughout his 11-season NFL career, Carr has been a four-time Pro Bowler and holds several Raiders franchise records, including passing yards, passing touchdowns, and pass completions. Wikipedia provides a detailed overview of his career.

Key Takeaways

• Derek Carr has expressed a desire to return to the NFL, but no teams have shown trade interest as of mid-March 2026.
• The Steelers and Cardinals are the only teams currently without a clear starting quarterback.
• A significant injury to a starting quarterback on a contender could create an opportunity for Carr.
• Carr’s substantial contract is a potential deterrent for teams considering a trade.