The Saints still hold Carr’s rights, though Tyler Shough‘s impressive rookie season, the amicable end to Carr’s time in New Orleans and the way the sides worked through any salary-cap issues add up to his tolled contract being an unlikely hurdle in the process. The Saints could ask for compensation in a trade, though the price surely wouldn’t be an unreasonable ask for a player who has no future in New Orleans.
Carr, 34, decided to retire last May due to a labral tear in his shoulder and damage to his rotator cuff, which could have been repaired via surgery but would’ve put his season in jeopardy. Since then, Carr took several months off to rest and sources say his shoulder has responded well, leading Carr to slowly begin rehabbing as the season unfolded. His shoulder has now improved to the point where he is throwing fully as part of his regular exercise routine. Teams have learned Carr currently has no shoulder limitations.
Carr and his brother David have joked a few times on their Home Grown podcast about a return to the Raiders, especially since Klint Kubiak, Derek’s offensive coordinator with the Saints in 2024 and the current OC for the Seahawks, is slated to accept the team’s head-coaching job after today’s Super Bowl. But the Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft and are expected to use it on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Carr doesn’t seem to be actively chasing a return to the NFL. He’s indicated he has enjoyed spending time with family and taking on various projects. But he surely knows the interest is there and sources have said the right situation and coaching staff could lure Carr back onto the field.