Feb. 10, 2026, 3:16 p.m. CT
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr has re-emerged in offseason discussions, as reports indicate his throwing shoulder has “no limitations” after being injured during his final season in New Orleans. Teams desperate for stability at the quarterback position are expected to show interest in the 34-year-old veteran — a proven passer who can still provide value as a capable starter with experience.
As we previously explored potential trade offers the Saints could receive for Carr’s services, a unique scenario could take place; involving not one, but two teams that could shape the quarterback market in a major way.
The Las Vegas Raiders, for obvious reasons stand out as a particularly intriguing destination. Las Vegas is firmly in the market for a quarterback this offseason, and a reunion with Carr would be a compelling storyline. Drafted by the Raiders, Carr cemented his legacy in silver and black, but the connection runs deeper than nostalgia.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, formerly the Saints’ offensive coordinator, spent a season working with Carr in New Orleans. While the wins didn’t follow, Carr arguably played his some of his best football in Kubiak’s system. A heavy play-action approach catered to his strengths as a passer and helped generate explosive plays down the field.
Much like Sam Darnold, Carr fits the mold of an experienced veteran with upside — someone Kubiak would likely be comfortable building around. After winning a Super Bowl with Darnold, it wouldn’t be surprising if Kubiak believes Carr can flourish in his offense as well.
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There’s just one caveat. Las Vegas currently holds the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. If the Raiders stay put, that selection is widely expected to be used on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Given the franchise’s instability at the position since Carr’s departure, drafting a young quarterback would make plenty of sense for the team. But what if the Raiders don’t stay put?
Rather than selecting Mendoza, Las Vegas could opt to reacquire their franchise’s all-time leading passer by finalizing a trade with the Saints for Carr. Likely compensation would fall in the range of a mid-third to early-fourth round pick — a deal that would represent solid value for both sides.
Acquiring Carr wouldn’t completely eliminate the possibility of drafting Mendoza, but it would strongly suggest the Raiders would entertain offers for the top pick. And one team immediately comes to mind.
The New York Jets.
New York enters the draft with four top-50 selections, including picks Nos. 2 and 16, not to mention the three first-round picks they already hold in 2027. After a disastrous first season under head coach Aaron Glenn, formerly the Saints’ defensive coordinator, the Jets will be desperate to lock in a long-term answer at the position. Securing a franchise quarterback is no longer optional for this team. It’s a necessity.
The Jets will likely explore trade inquiries for elite quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow or Lamar Jackson, but those teams are unlikely to entertain such offers. Pivoting to second-tier options like Kyler Murray or Tua Tagovailoa might provide an upgrade, but neither would fundamentally change the team’s trajectory.
New York’s best path to a franchise passer will likely be trading up to No. 1 overall. Moving from No. 2 to No. 1 wouldn’t be overly complicated, given the Jets’ draft capital. Traditional trade charts suggest the cost would be a second-round pick (No. 33) in addition to No. 2, but Las Vegas would likely push for a 2027 first-rounder — a request the Jets can afford to meet.
For the Raiders, the upside is clear. By sliding back just one spot, they would secure multiple premium picks across two drafts while reuniting with Carr to remain competitive in the short term. It also preserves flexibility to target their long-term quarterback in what’s expected to be a loaded 2027 class, assuming another disastrous season forces their hand.
If this scenario were to play out, Derek Carr could become a catalyst for a franchise-altering offseason in Las Vegas under Kubiak. For the Saints, it would mean recouping valuable draft capital for them to build around rookie Tyler Shough and building on what looks to be a stellar 2025 class. And for the Jets, it could be the bold move required to finally reset their future under center. With one decision, three franchises have the opportunity to alter the trajectory of their future for the better.