For the Miami Dolphins, it has become clear that no matter what, they will have a different quarterback than either of Tua Tagovailoa or Quinn Ewers. As a result, the Dolphins are expected to be major players in the free agency. What with names like Malik Willis and Kirk Cousins thrown around, anything is possible. However, it is the reports coming out of New Orleans and their former QB that could truly intrigue the Fins.
Last offseason, the New Orleans Saints lost their starting quarterback Derek Carr to a shocking decision of retirement. They were quickly able to pivot, going with both Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough as their starters this season. Still, questions still linger of whether Carr could potentially come out of retirement to lead the right team.
Derek Carr’s Potential Return Adds Intrigue to Miami’s Search
According to Joe Rivera of USA Today, the Miami Dolphins could be the perfect fit for Carr if he chooses to return to the NFL ranks.
“Could Derek Carr take his talents to South Beach? There’s the looming question of Tua Tagovailoa, his contract and how he’ll fit in new head coach’s Jeff Hafley’s vision for the Dolphins. Miami would have to find a way to move on from Tagovailoa – something that he would welcome – or reassign his role on the team, something that might not sit well with the veteran passer”, Rivera wrote of Carr’s potential option.
Obviously for Carr, any team that could be willing to take a swing at him won’t be in the best of situations. More importantly, since the Saints still own his rights, chances are negotiations could get tough for his services.
For the Dolphins, a lot has to happen to be able to acquire Carr. For one, any deal would have to come to a trade, and with new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan already concerned about their draft capital, chances are the Dolphins won’t want to part with much. Still, considering that Carr may not be worth much, the Dolphins could get him on a cost-effective deal without giving up a high value mid round pick.
Scheme Fit and Familiarity Could Make Miami Appealing
Also, the last time Carr was on the field, he was playing very well for the Saints, getting them off to a 2-0 start to their 2024 season before injuries struck. During that time, he played under someone named Klint Kubiak…who is now a Super Bowl champions and future head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Someone who runs a similar scheme to Kubiak is new Dolphins OC Bobby Slowik. With a West Coast style philosophy and the premier weapons to be able to pull it off, Carr could be most tempted by what the Dolphins are building.
It will all depend on whether or not Carr truly believes any of his options are viable enough to be contenders. Miami may not quite be there yet, but they certainly have the intrigue and the location that a guy like Carr could covet. Don’t be surprised if the Dolphins don’t at least inquire about him.
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
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