‘Medically cleared’ Derek Carr considers NFL retirement U-turn and Raiders landing spot with Fernando Mendoza makes sense

Derek Carr is toying with the idea of coming out of retirement.

While most eyes are on Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, news emerged early on Sunday morning that a shocking return could be on the cards.

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According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo, quarterback Derek Carr could make a stunning return to the league in 2026.

The insiders also reported that some teams around the league had contacted Carr throughout the 2025 season when a plethora of quarterbacks suffered injuries, including the Cincinnati Bengals after Joe Burrow went down with injury.

“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,” they wrote.

“The Bengals, for instance, contacted Carr after Joe Burrow went down with his turf toe injury.”

However, the 34-year-old’s final decision would ultimately be determined by being put in the right situation and with the right coaching staff.

“That work continues, and an off-season of quarterback uncertainty — with limited options in free agency, trades and the draft — makes Carr a possible solution in the right situation,” they added.

Carr retired in May 2025 due to a shoulder injury involving a labral tear and his rotator cuff.

But, now officially medically cleared to return, should he decide to the New Orleans Saints – who still hold his rights – could look to trade the 34-year-old to a favorable situation for the quarterback.

Could Carr reunite with the Raiders?

One potential landing spot could be to reunite with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The 11-year veteran spent nine seasons with the Raiders, where he earned four Pro Bowl honors.

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There, he completed 64.6 percent of his passing attempts for 35,222 yards and 217 touchdowns to just 99 interceptions.

The Raiders seems a logical step, with the team part owned by NFL GOAT Tom Brady holding the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

With that pick, they are expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza just months after the Heisman Trophy winner led the Hoosiers to an improbable 16-0 undefeated season and the NCAA College Football Playoff National Championship.

Although Mendoza is projected to be the future franchise star of the Raiders, Carr would be an ideal candidate to serve in a mentoring role for the 22-year-old to learn the league from.

Raiders’ appointment of Kubiak could be a determining factor

Furthermore, Carr and his brother David – who was a quarterback in the NFL for a decade form 2002-12 – have joked on their Home Grown podcast about a possible reunion with the Raiders.

This comes in light of the expectation of the Raiders appointing Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach after Super Bowl LX.

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Kubiak was the Saints’ OC in 2024 when Carr was on the roster.

“Klint is very stoic,” Carr said on the Home Grown Podcast. “The tone, I would say, the volume of his voice isn’t going to change. He’s right here, but it’s going to be very clear.

“We’re going to go out to practice, and when we come back in, he’s going to say, ‘You got to be quicker. This ball should be gone. You got to get your depth. You got to sell this a little more.

“‘This is a great route, guys. Watch this right guard right here, guys. This is awesome. This is perfect right here.’

“And you want to know why, Klint, if the Raiders get him, it’s the best hire? If they let him just cook and get him people that match his scheme.

“Klint Kubak has a scheme that they believe in that they are running no matter what. And here it comes in, this culture and this scheme, that this is who we are.

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“It is so abundantly clear who you are as an offense when you’re in a room with him. You know the standard. You know exactly what’s asked of you. And if you’re not doing it, he tells you, and then you’re gone. He’s just honest.”

He also made it abundantly clear that he could return, perhaps not in a player capacity, but as a coach.

“So Klint, if you did indeed accept this job, which you can’t until after the Super Bowl, congratulations, you know how I feel about you.

“And what’d Chingy say, ‘I’m only one call away, man. I’ll come help the kid.’”

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