Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Rumors have been circulating that retired New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr would consider a return to the NFL, with the Arizona Cardinals emerging as a potential landing spot. Carr, a 4-time Pro Bowler, opted against having surgery on a torn labrum suffered during his time with the Saints in 2024 and is now said to be fully healthy. While the 34-year-old indicated he wouldn’t just come out of retirement for “anybody,” he expressed interest in playing for a team with a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

Why it matters

Carr’s potential comeback would be a significant move, as the veteran quarterback was a key part of the Saints’ roster before his retirement. His addition could provide a boost to whichever team he joins, though any trade would need to be negotiated with the Saints, who still hold his rights.

The details

Carr’s rights still belong to the Saints, so any team interested in acquiring him would need to execute a trade with New Orleans. The Cardinals, who are in the early stages of a roster retooling, have emerged as a potential suitor, with NFL Network’s Nick Underhill indicating that Carr seems open to the idea of playing in Arizona. Carr has said he would only consider a return if he’s healthy and has a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

Carr opted against having surgery on a torn labrum suffered during his time with the Saints in 2024.Carr is now said to be fully healthy and cleared to play.
The players

Derek Carr

A 4-time Pro Bowl quarterback who recently retired from the New Orleans Saints.

Arizona Cardinals

An NFC team that is reportedly interested in acquiring Carr and could provide him with a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

New Orleans Saints

The team that currently holds Carr’s rights, as he was under contract with them before his retirement.

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What they’re saying

“Based on what he said about Arizona, I think he’d consider (playing for the Cardinals).”

— Nick Underhill, NFL Network Analyst (NFL Network)

“Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not. I told you two things. I have to be healthy, and I would want a chance to win a Super Bowl. Obviously, that’s a tough thing to find. That’s hard to do. That’s not easy.”

— Derek Carr (Home Grown Podcast)

What’s next

The Saints would need to negotiate a trade with any team interested in acquiring Carr, as they still hold his rights. The Cardinals have emerged as a potential landing spot, but Carr has indicated he would only consider a return if he’s healthy and has a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

The takeaway

Carr’s potential comeback would be a significant move in the NFL, as the veteran quarterback was a key part of the Saints’ roster before his retirement. His addition could provide a boost to whichever team he joins, though any trade would need to be negotiated with the Saints, who still hold his rights.