The Indianapolis Colts have a tough decision to make regarding the quarterback position in 2026. With the news around Derek Carr potentially coming back to the NFL, that just adds another potential option.
*Prediction*
According to an article from Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo on NFL.com, “the former Saints franchise passer would consider coming out of retirement, sources tell The Insiders…he surely knows the interest is there and sources have said the right situation and coaching staff could lure Carr back onto the field.”
If there was ever a time for Carr to come back, it seems like this would be this year. There are a number of teams that need a quarterback, but there are not a ton of options in NFL free agency or the NFL Draft.
No one should sign Carr to be their franchise quarterback as he’s already 34 years old. That said, he could provide solid production as a bridge quarterback on an NFL roster.
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Why Did Derek Carr Retire?
Kevin Patra of NFL.com reported on why Carr decided to retire back on May 10th of 2025.
Patra explains that, “Surgery would jeopardize his 2025 campaign. Additionally, there was no guarantee that the veteran signal-caller would ever return to the gridiron at the same level.”
Considering that Carr wasn’t super young, the decision is understandable. After playing 11 years in the NFL, it wasn’t as if Carr decided to retire in his prime.
Derek Carr Stats
It’s tough to call Carr a superstar, but he was very good. Between 2015 and 2017, Carr made the Pro Bowl each of those three years.
Carr started off with the Oakland Raiders (later becoming the Las Vegas Raiders), and he spent nine seasons there. Then he decided to sign with the New Orleans Saints, where he played his last two seasons.
During that 11-year span, Carr had 41,245 yards and 257 touchdowns through the air compared to 112 interceptions.
One of his best seasons came back in 2015, where he threw for 3937 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only six interceptions.
Most recently, Carr had 2145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 10 games during the 2024 season.
Why Should the Indianapolis Colts Sign Derek Carr?
Given that Carr may not be a long-term starter due to his age and past injury, he would be perfect as a bridge quarterback. If the Colts decide to bring back Daniel Jones, they would need a quarterback like this.
At 28 years old, Jones would be the franchise guy. However, you don’t want to rush him back on the field from that Achilles injury. A move like this would allow Indianapolis to be extremely cautious.
Not only would Carr provide the Colts with a quality starter while Jones is out, but it would also give them a backup plan.
It’s not a secret that Jones having a great 2025 season was a bit of a shock. Despite being drafted with pick No. 6 in the 2019 NFL Draft, he was released by the New York Giants after six years.
Rebuilding is not an option right now for Indianapolis, as they went all in last year by trading for Sauce Gardner. They have to at least try to compete for the next few years.
There’s a chance that Daniel Jones comes back and isn’t the same player. Derek Carr would give the Indianapolis Colts another shot to have a quarterback capable of leading them to the playoffs.
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