The New York Jets can address the quarterback position in several different ways this offseason.

While the popular options this offseason include Mac Jones, Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett, and Malik Willis, another veteran name could enter the fold.

Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, former Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr may entertain unretiring this offseason, as teams have expressed “serious” interest in the 34-year-old.

He’s joked about it and alluded to it. Teams are serious about it, though. Derek Carr has, and will continue to, receive inquiries from QB-needy clubs about a return in 2026. Why he might entertain it. From The Insiders: https://t.co/g7TNAD9O2h

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 8, 2026

While no reports indicate the Jets were among the teams that checked in, it is reasonable to infer that New York expressed interest.

Beyond the Jets’ need at QB, it is worth noting that, on his “Home Grown” podcast with his brother, David Carr, Derek spoke glowingly of the Jets’ fan base and head coach Aaron Glenn.

Furthermore, Carr also has a direct connection to the Jets’ newly hired quarterbacks coach, Bill Musgrave. While Carr was with the Raiders, Musgrave served as his offensive coordinator for two seasons (2015-16), and Carr performed at a high level.

In each of those seasons, Carr earned Pro Bowl honors, throwing for 6,357 yards and 53 touchdowns over that span while leading the Raiders to a 19-11 record, including a 12-3 year in 2016.

Still, the Jets must steer clear of Carr this offseason.

Pursuing Derek Carr isn’t worth the risk

Carr retired from football in May after sustaining numerous injuries during his final few NFL seasons.

He missed the final four games of the 2024 season due to a right shoulder injury. The signal-caller then discovered the severity of that injury in the offseason when attempting to resume throwing.

It turned out to be a torn labrum, and Carr hung up the cleats after learning it would require surgery and most likely prevent him from playing at all in 2025.

Carr’s injuries are obviously a glaring concern. If he were to return to the NFL after a year on the couch, it would be challenging for him to be fully ready for Week 1.

Beyond that, Carr has notoriously struggled in cold conditions throughout his career, which matters for a team that plays in a cold-weather city and travels to Buffalo and New England each season.

Then, there is the contract. After signing him to a four-year, $150 million contract in March 2023 that included $100 million in guarantees, the Saints still own Carr’s rights. Although the cost in a trade package may be modest, the financial commitment is not, and that is crucial.

Assuming the Jets part ways with Justin Fields this offseason, the team will owe at least $57 million in dead money to quarterbacks not on their roster, including the $35 million still owed to Aaron Rodgers.

Acquiring Carr would certainly require significant cap gymnastics just to make the numbers work for the Jets, who rank among the NFL‘s top five teams in cap space this offseason, but have a surplus of holes to fill throughout their roster.

The Jets would likely have to convince the Saints to eat a significant portion of the contract, which may hike the trade cost to a level that does not make sense for a 34-year-old quarterback with serious injury concerns.

For those reasons, the Jets should avoid acquiring Carr this offseason.