![\"Derek](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NFL-Oakland-Raiders-at-Minnesota-Vikings-13403636-scaled-e1770573296514.jpg\")
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Unsurprisingly, Minnesota Vikings fans found out yesterday<\/a> that Joe Burrow reportedly won\u2019t be available for trade. In that same report, Dianna Russini (The Athletic)<\/a> wrote<\/a> that San Francisco isn\u2019t expected to deal Mac Jones, either.<\/p>\n Suddenly, the Minnesota Vikings seem low on competent veteran QB options for 2026. If Burrow and Jones aren\u2019t available, then KOC & Co. will be down to lesser options like Daniel Jones (off knee surgery), Kirk Cousins, Malik Willis, Marcus Mariota, Joe Flacco\u2026 and it just gets worse from there.<\/p>\n But on Sunday, as we all wait for the Super Bowl this evening, Ian Rapoport (NFL Network)<\/a> revealed another veteran quarterback who is rumored to be available this offseason<\/p>\n Derek Carr a new QB option for Minnesota Vikings?<\/p>\n Derek Carr retired following the 2024 season, due to a torn labrum and did not play in the NFL last season. But according to Rapoport, Carr is seriously considering a return to football in 2026.<\/p>\n A few months ago, when asked about coming out of retirement,\u00a0Derek Carr<\/a>\u00a0said he would \u201cnever say never. Because I\u2019ve learned that when I say never, it usually happens.\u201d<\/p>\n It just might happen.<\/p>\n Carr doesn\u2019t seem to be actively chasing a return to the NFL. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Ian Rapoport \u2013 NFL.com<\/a><\/p>\n Originally selected by<\/a> Oakland in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Derek Carr moved with the team to Las Vegas in 2020. But after nine seasons with the organization that drafted him, Carr played in 2023 and 2024 with the New Orleans Saints.<\/p>\n The Vikings could look for other trade opportunities, beyond Mac Jones and Joe Burrow. But if there are only 15-20 competent quarterbacks in the NFL, how many of those are going to be available via trade? The answer may be zero.<\/p>\n MN Vikings must consider Carr if he really is available<\/p>\n In other words, the Minnesota Vikings cannot afford to trip up at any point, in their QB search this offseason. So if a 34-year-old<\/a> former No. 36 overall pick, with 169 NFL starts under his belt is now available\u2026 the Vikings MUST seriously consider him.<\/p>\n Rapoport writes<\/a> that it was the Bengals who showed serious interest in Carr, when Joe Burrow went down with an injury. Now that the offseason is upon us, it sounds like momentum toward Carr\u2019s return continues to grow.<\/p>\n As quarterback injuries mounted this season and into the playoffs, teams conducted due diligence on Carr, trying to gather information as to whether the former Saints franchise passer would consider coming out of retirement, sources tell The Insiders. The Bengals, for instance, contacted Carr after\u00a0Joe Burrow\u00a0went down with his\u00a0turf toe injury.<\/p>\n That work continues, and an offseason of quarterback uncertainty \u2014 with limited options in free agency, trades and the draft \u2014 makes Carr a possible solution in the right situation.<\/p>\n Obviously, Cincinnati won\u2019t be a landing spot for Derek Carr anymore. But I know a place that would be. Out of all the quarterbacks the Vikings could go for, Carr might be the best realistic option, if he really is as healthy as Rapoport claims he is.<\/p>\n The Vikings have made it abundantly clear to other teams and NFL insiders that \u201call bets are off<\/a>\u201d this offseason, in their search for a veteran quarterback. And if you put Carr up against Kirk Cousins<\/a> or Mac Jones\u2026 he might be the best of all three options.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ian Rapoport \u2013 NFL.com<\/a><\/p>\n In 27 games<\/a> with the Saints between 2023-2024, before he was injured week 11 of the 2024 season, Carr threw for 6023 yards (68.2%), for 40 touchdown passes, just 13 interceptions.<\/p>\n Derek Carr still under contract with the Saints<\/p>\n There could be a small roadblock in acquiring Carr. He was still under contract with the Saints, when he retired two offseasons ago. Thus, New Orleans still owns his rights.<\/p>\n However, because the Saints have Tyler Shough, they aren\u2019t expected to put up much of a fight in releasing or trading Carr, should he officially announce his unretirement.<\/p>\n The Saints still hold Carr\u2019s rights, though\u00a0Tyler Shough<\/a>\u2018s impressive rookie season, the\u00a0amicable end to Carr\u2019s time in New Orleans<\/a>\u00a0and 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\u2019t be an unreasonable ask for a player who has no future in New Orleans.<\/p>\n Ian Rapoport \u2013 NFL.com<\/a><\/p>\n Over the course of his career, Derek Carr blossomed into a very nice NFL quarterback. He\u2019s thrown for over 40,000 yards with a 65.1% completion rate, and more than two touchdowns (257) to every one interception (112).<\/p>\n Carr really hit his NFL stride in 2018, when his completion rate jumped from the low 60\u2019s to 68.9%. In six of seven seasons from 2018 to 2024, the former Fresno State superstar completed at least over 67% of his passes.<\/p>\n Every Derek Carr passing touchdown this season pic.twitter.com\/Dq0avvYT5Q<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pitless (@pitlessball) January 7, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n If Derek Carr is coming back and his shoulder is as healthy as Ian Rapoport reports it is\u2026 then the Minnesota Vikings should do EVERYTHING within their power to get him in a purple and gold uniform.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Derek Carr<\/a> New Orleans Saints<\/a> NFL Offseason<\/a> <\/p>\n More About:Minnesota Vikings<\/a><\/p>\n Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google. \t\t\t![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/google_preferred_source_badge.png\"){kind=icon}
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