By Ross Jackson

With the rumor mill picking up around the future of retired New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr, a potential return to the field could be in line for the 11-year veteran. 

Because the Saints still own Carr’s playing rights for the 2026 season, the team could be in line for compensation should a team find Carr as their potential solution at signal caller for next season. 

That compensation isn’t likely to be overwhelming. Carr and the Saints have no future together and the former Las Vegas Raiders passer has been away from the NFL for over a full season. The latter is rarely kind to players who decide to pursue a comeback. 

While the trade package to get Carr may not end up being ground-breaking, getting anything for a player that has no path forward with your organization is a good situation for an NFL club. All the Saints would need is a team to take a swing. 

While a team like the Las Vegas Raiders has a built-in solution at the position, holding the No. 1 overall pick and the Pittsburgh Steelers are set up comfortably for an Aaron Rodgers return, a trio of other teams could be perfect landing spots for Carr. 

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota has come up with the increasing frequency as of late when it comes to the Carr conversation. With uncertainty around the investment in young passer J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings have been often connected with veteran quarterback trade markets since the 2025 season came to a close. 

Carr would offer an affordable option with starting experience that could either start Week 1 or serve as a backup behind McCarthy so the Vikings have a viable escape route. 

New York Jets

Before signing with the Saints ahead of the 2023 season, Carr was down to two teams. New Orleans and the New York Jets were his final two landing spots. The Jets were strong in their courtship and now, a few seasons later, could see their initial pursuit put them in position to finally land the quarterback. 

While coaching staff leadership has changed since then, eccentric owner Woody Johnson is still in position to push the decision. Especially after Oregon quarterback Dante Moore made the decision to return to school in 2026, limiting the options for New York at the position. 

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are on pace to sever their relationship with starting quarterback Kylee Murray. With new leadership and limited options at signal caller, landing a veteran, starting-caliber passer (or at least the expectations of one) could be a comfortable situation for head coach Mike LaFleur in his first year. 

Carr wouldn’t necessarily be the passer that LaFleur was tied to, but instead could serve a bridge with good potential buying the organization a year to start their rebuild. 

LaFleur’s extensive experience in the Shanahan system would be a comfortable fit for Carr, who orchestrated Klint Kubiak’s version of the same scheme in New Orleans.