The New Orleans Saints felt a fair share on retirements this offseason. Terron Armstead hung up his cleats. Tyrann Mathieu said he had concluded his NFL career. For former quarterback Derek Carr, he also retired earlier this year – citing his injured shoulder as a major reason for his decision.
Now, when asked about how much he considers playing again, the long-time starter is keeping an open mind. In reality, New Orleans should be rooting for him to come back to the NFL.
Advertisement
Possible return from retirement for Derek Carr
In an interview on the Dan Patrick Show, the former Saints quarterback didn’t completely close the door on a return to the field. He is allowing that door to remain open, for now at least.
Carr also mentioned that it wasn’t easy to give up the money from his Saints contract when he chose to retire.
“I throw a football every now and then with my kids and to my buddy for fun because it’s part of my rehab for my shoulder…I’m still doing those things, I’ve always felt like, even though I’m done, if God wanted me to do it, I gotta be ready. I don’t want to go out there and not be ready. I’ll be ready, but I’m not coming back. Right now, today, I’m not coming back.” — Derek Carr via Dan Patrick Show
The Saints should actually be open to this sort of change of heart from the veteran because of a potential trade. New Orleans could potentially look to deal him elsewhere, depending on interest and how soon he would return from retirement. That trade wouldn’t land them much, expect maybe a late round draft pick. That’s better than nothing, though.
Advertisement
“Carr ultimately retired having collected more than $205 million in career earnings through 11 NFL seasons for the Saints and the Raiders, according to Spotrac.” — Bleacher Report
Regardless, Carr doesn’t have a future in New Orleans as the QB any longer. The team drafted Tyler Shough in round two of this year’s NFL Draft, and they could also be in a position early in round one next year to draft another potential long-term answer at QB. It all depends on how this season shakes out for the Saints, the first with Kellen Moore at head coach.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Sep 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.