Derek Carr confirms NFL return decision but rules out Fernando Mendoza role with $212m QB in sights

Derek Carr’s shock retirement paved the way for Tyler Shough to emerge as the New Orleans Saints’ franchise quarterback.

The veteran suffered a shoulder injury and decided to call time on his career nine months ago despite being under contract through 2026.

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He has been rehabbing and is now considering returning to the field, although he has some strict conditions.

“Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not,” Carr said on his podcast. “I’d have to be healthy and I’d want a chance to win a Super Bowl. And obviously, that’s a tough thing to find. That’s hard to do. That’s not easy.”

Carr suggested that he is healthy and confirmed that there was interest.

“I had to say no a couple times so far,” the 34-year-old said.

One team that was strongly linked with the four-time Pro Bowl passer was the Las Vegas Raiders, who drafted him in the second round in 2014.

The scenario would see presumed No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza given an experienced mentor as he looks to carry on his success in college.

New Orleans would not take much convincing to agree to trade Carr and his estimated $35.6 million cap hit for 2026.

The Raiders could afford to take the hit, but Carr doesn’t sound like he wants to return for a project — especially one where he grooms his own replacement.

A deal makes the most sense for a team that believes a quarterback is all that is missing in their pursuit of a Super Bowl.

They may be kidding themselves, but four potential destinations spring to mind.

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Pittsburgh Steelers could replace Aaron Rodgers with Derek Carr

The Pittsburgh Steelers once again find themselves waiting on Aaron Rodgers.

In 2025, the future Hall of Famer steered the team to the playoffs but the team was overpowered by the Houston Texans.

Pittsburgh bosses have made it clear they want Rodgers back and Mike Tomlin‘s replacement Mike McCarthy has history with the great.

But Rodgers is 42, may decide his time is up and will cost a lot more than the $10 million he earned in 2025.

Carr offers a younger option and his willingness to chuck it downfield would be a good match with D.K. Metcalf in a throwback to his prolific partnership with Michael Crabtree in Oakland.

Minnesota Vikings give up on J.J. McCarthy

The Vikings dominated with Sam Darnold, but let the now Super Bowl champion walk to stick with J.J. McCarthy.

Former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah lost his job because of that decision and his replacement may decide to take another route.

Carr would be teamed up with Justin Jefferson on a team that could definitely contend.

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Derek Carr becomes latest vet to try and save New York Jets

The New York Jets finished 3-14 last season after what was a much vaunted defense fell apart.

A preference for vets is well established with Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor, Justin Fields and Joe Flacco all given a shot.

Despite appearances, there are some key pieces in place and with five first-round picks over the next two drafts, the right selections could go a long way.

Unfortunately, trading away Sauce Gardener and Quinnen Williams suggests a project and Carr may not want that.

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Miami Dolphins cut losses on Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa is on borrowed time.

The Miami Dolphins have seen what a dominant offense can look like but the consistency just isn’t there.

Quinn Ewers finished 2025 and could be handed the reins again but with plenty of talent and speed on offense, new coach Jeff Hafley might look for experience.

Despite the doom and gloom, a 7-10 record could easily be nudged into a postseason run with better play under center.

Whether the Dolphins would roll the dice on an expensive older QB coming off injury is another matter.

Tua’s $212million contract would see Miami on the hook for an NFL record $99 million dead money hit if he is released.

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