Could former Fresno State star Derek Carr be returning to NFL in 2026?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Derek Carr explores NFL return for 2026 after stepping away in 2025.
- Saints hold Carr’s rights; any deal would likely require team compensation.
- Multiple teams — Miami, Jets, Raiders among possibilities for Carr.
Former Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr could be eyeing a return to the NFL, according to an NFL Network report Sunday.
Carr stepped away from the 2025 season after suffering a rotator cuff injury while playing for the New Orleans Saints.
Following his retirement announcement, Carr moved his family to Fresno, making the Central Valley their permanent home.
He has remained active off the field, co-hosting the Home Grown podcast with his brother, former NFL quarterback David Carr.
While settling back in Fresno, Carr openly discussed his long-term desire to coach. In an interview with The Bee’s Robert Kuwada, Carr said coaching was not a question of “if,” but “when.”
“I definitely want to coach. I’m definitely going to coach,” Carr said. “Right now, I’m coaching fourth through sixth grade, and the scheme I’m putting in is about 1% of my brain power. I have the itch to share all of that — to put 11 people out there and scheme people up.
“I have a passion for that, and honestly a passion to raise the next generation, not just for who they are on the football field but who they can be off the field too, in our communities.”
That coaching path may now be on pause.
NFL Network reports Carr is exploring the possibility of returning to the league, suggesting the 34-year-old still has the desire to play.
Carr may have been inspired by fellow veteran Philip Rivers, who previously returned to action with the Indianapolis Colts after time away from the game.
According to NFL Network, Carr’s shoulder has improved and he currently has no limitations when throwing.
The Saints still hold Carr’s rights and would likely require compensation in any potential deal. NFL insider Ian Rapoport also reported that the Cincinnati Bengals previously explored signing Carr while Joe Burrow was dealing with an injury.
If Carr does make a comeback for the 2026 season, several teams could emerge as possible suitors.
Miami Dolphins
Miami is reportedly exploring options at quarterback after continued injury concerns and turnover issues with Tua Tagovailoa. Carr could be a logical fit, especially given his familiarity with warm-weather conditions dating back to his Fresno State days.
New York Jets
A move to New York would be notable given Carr’s family ties to the area — though his brother played for the Giants, not the Jets. After an underwhelming season from Justin Fields, the Jets are expected to re-enter the quarterback market, making Carr a conceivable option given the franchise’s ongoing turnover at the position.
Las Vegas Raiders
A reunion with the Raiders cannot be ruled out. Carr spent nine seasons with the franchise. The obstacle would be Geno Smith, who remains under contract and would need to be traded or released to make room.
The Raiders are also likely going to select Fernando Mendoza as the NFL’s top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
There are also lingering ties between Carr and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak from their time together in New Orleans.
Despite injuries limiting him to 10 games, Carr showed flashes with the Saints. During a 44-19 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Raiders minority owner Tom Brady — who was calling the game — praised Carr’s performance after he completed 11 of 16 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns against one interception.
“He played so well, and he looked so comfortable in this offense,” Brady said. “One of the knocks on him in his career is throwing the ball under duress. I think what Kubiak’s done is he’s not allowing defenses to tee off on the pass rush. Derek’s been standing back there, finding open guys. No one’s ever criticized his arm strength or ability to push the ball downfield.
“He’s just got to do it consistently.”
