FanDaily

Derek Carr's Resurrection: Why a Healthy 34-Year-Old QB Could Be the NFL's Best Kept Secret in 2026

February 18, 2026

Derek Carr's Resurrection: Why a Healthy 34-Year-Old QB Could Be the NFL's Best Kept Secret in 2026

Nine months ago, Derek Carr walked away from football. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback retired at age 34, citing a severe shoulder injury that would have required surgery and jeopardized his entire 2025 season. The New Orleans Saints moved on. NFL teams crossed him off their boards. The Derek Carr era appeared to be over.

Then, on February 13, 2026, everything changed.

On his podcast "Home Grown With David and Derek Carr," the veteran quarterback confirmed what NFL insiders had been whispering: he's healthy, he's throwing without limitations, and he's open to a comeback—under the right circumstances.1

"Would I do it? Absolutely I would do it," Carr said. "I told you two things. I'd 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."2

In a 2026 offseason starved for quality quarterback options, Derek Carr might just be the NFL's best kept secret.

The Perfect Storm: Why Now?

The timing of Carr's potential return couldn't be better—or more necessary. The 2026 quarterback market is historically weak, creating a supply-and-demand mismatch that could vault Carr to the top of available options.

The Draft Class Is Thin

After presumptive first overall pick Fernando Mendoza (Indiana's Heisman winner and national champion), the 2026 NFL Draft falls off a cliff. Alabama's Ty Simpson and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier round out the top tier, but neither is considered a sure thing. ESPN's Ben Solak projects this draft could mirror 2022, when only one quarterback (Kenny Pickett at No. 20) went in the first round.3

Free Agency Offers Little Help

The unrestricted free agent market is equally bleak. Daniel Jones will likely re-sign with the Colts, Aaron Rodgers may return to Pittsburgh, and Kirk Cousins is the "prize" of the bunch after being released by Atlanta. After that? Malik Willis rounds out a list that wouldn't inspire confidence in any front office.4

Trade Options Are Complicated

Kyler Murray carries a prohibitive contract (three years, $125 million remaining with $60 million guaranteed). Tua Tagovailoa would create $99 million in dead cap if Miami cuts him—a record-setting financial disaster.5 The trade market offers more complications than solutions.

Enter Derek Carr: experienced, relatively affordable, and most importantly—healthy.

The Fresno State Foundation

Before Derek Carr became a Raiders legend and Saints starter, he was a Fresno State Bulldog who rewrote the record books.

Carr's college career from 2009-2013 was nothing short of spectacular. He threw for 12,842 career yards and 113 touchdowns—both ranking him among the top 20 in FBS history. His 113-to-24 touchdown-to-interception ratio (4.71) stood as the second-highest in FBS history for quarterbacks with 100+ career touchdowns, trailing only Boise State's Kellen Moore.6

Derek Carr at Fresno State Career Stats
Passing Yards 12,842 (13th in FBS history)
Touchdowns 113
TD-INT Ratio 4.71 (2nd all-time)
School Records Set 27
Mountain West Records Set 21
All-America Selections 2x
MWC Offensive Player of the Year 2x (2012, 2013)

His senior season in 2013 was particularly dominant. Carr led the nation in total offense (5,199 yards), passing yards (5,082), passing touchdowns (50), and completions per game (34.85). His 50 touchdown passes tied for the fourth-most in FBS single-season history.7

That wasn't just statistical dominance—it was NFL-caliber decision-making and arm talent on full display. The same qualities that would eventually earn him a second-round selection (36th overall) by the Oakland Raiders in 2014.

Why Carr Makes Sense Right Now

He's Actually Healthy

This isn't speculation. Multiple reports confirm Carr has no shoulder limitations and has been throwing "fully as part of his regular exercise routine."8 The year off allowed his labral tear and rotator cuff damage to heal without surgery—a bet that appears to have paid off.

At 34 (he turns 35 in March), Carr isn't old by modern quarterback standards. Tom Brady played until 45. Aaron Rodgers is 41 and potentially returning for another season. Drew Brees won a Super Bowl at 40. Matthew Stafford is 38 and led the Rams to the playoffs this season.

He's a Proven Commodity

Carr retired with 41,000+ career passing yards and a 92.8 quarterback rating across 11 NFL seasons.9 He's a four-time Pro Bowler who led the Raiders to their first playoff appearance in 14 years (2016) and helped Oakland/Las Vegas make the postseason again in 2021.

In two seasons with the Saints (before injury derailed him), Carr posted a 14-13 record while completing 68% of his passes with 40 touchdowns against just 13 interceptions—good for a 98.8 quarterback rating.10

Those aren't backup numbers. That's starting-caliber production.

The Saints Control His Rights (But Won't Block Him)

Because Carr retired while under contract, New Orleans technically holds his rights. Any team wanting him would need to work out a trade with Saints GM Mickey Loomis.

But here's the thing: the Saints have moved on to rookie Tyler Shough and have no use for a 34-year-old returning from retirement. Multiple reports indicate compensation would be "minimal"—likely a mid-round draft pick at most.11 For a team one quarterback away from contention, that's a bargain.

The Four Most Logical Landing Spots

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

If Aaron Rodgers doesn't return, Pittsburgh becomes the most natural fit. The Steelers won the AFC North in 2025 with Rodgers and are built to contend immediately. They have a physical offensive identity, a defense that shortens games, and elite receiving talent in DK Metcalf.

New head coach Mike McCarthy would need to buy in, but the rest of the infrastructure screams "win now"—exactly what Carr is seeking. The only caveat: Pittsburgh needs to add receiving depth beyond Metcalf to truly maximize Carr's timing-and-rhythm passing style.12

2. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings aren't sold on J.J. McCarthy after a shaky first season as starter. Minnesota's playoff hopes evaporated due to inconsistent quarterback play, and former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah admitted before his January firing that he'd misjudged the veteran QB market.

Carr would provide immediate stability while pushing McCarthy in camp. If Carr won the job and played well, Minnesota could compete in the NFC North. If McCarthy develops, Carr could transition to a mentorship role. Either way, the Vikings address their biggest weakness.13

3. Miami Dolphins

If Miami can move on from Tua Tagovailoa's contract (unlikely but possible), the Dolphins offer a talented roster that only needs steady quarterback play. De'Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle, and an offense built for quick-strike efficiency would suit Carr's skill set perfectly.

The warm weather and new head coach Jeff Hafley's vision could entice Carr, assuming Miami creates the necessary cap space.14

4. New York Jets

The Jets are desperate. After trading away Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner at the deadline, they're rebuilding with draft capital but lack a viable starting quarterback.

Carr could provide a bridge option while the Jets draft someone like Ty Simpson (expected to go 33rd overall) to develop. It wouldn't be a Super Bowl contender immediately, but New York's defensive talent and potential offensive additions could get them competitive quickly.15

The Raiders Wild Card

There's one other intriguing possibility: a reunion with Las Vegas.

New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak was Carr's offensive coordinator with the Saints in 2024. On his podcast, Derek and his brother David have joked about a return to the desert, with Derek singing "I'm coming home" when discussing Kubiak's hiring.16

The chemistry is real. The familiarity is undeniable. But there's one massive obstacle: the Raiders are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. Unless Las Vegas wants Carr as a mentor/bridge for Mendoza (similar to what Seattle did with Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield mentoring young QBs), this seems like a long shot.

Still, the Kubiak connection can't be ignored.

The Two Non-Negotiables

Carr has been crystal clear about his requirements. He needs to be healthy (check) and he wants a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl (harder to guarantee).

That second requirement is what makes this fascinating. True Super Bowl contenders rarely have quarterback openings. But several teams—Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Miami—sit one piece away from serious postseason runs. Carr could be that piece.

He's also been selective. Reports indicate he already turned down "a couple" of offers during the 2025 season, including interest from the Bengals when Joe Burrow went down and the Colts when Daniel Jones struggled.17

This isn't a money grab. Carr walked away from $30 million guaranteed with the Saints. He's not chasing a payday—he's chasing a ring.

Why This Could Actually Work

The skeptics will point to Carr's age, his year away from the game, and his inability to ever reach a Super Bowl. Fair criticisms all.

But consider the alternative for QB-needy teams. Draft a quarterback in a historically weak class and hope he pans out? Sign Kirk Cousins and pray he has something left at 38? Trade significant assets for Kyler Murray and take on $125 million in remaining contract?

Or add a proven veteran who knows Klint Kubiak's system (or can learn another quickly), comes at a minimal trade cost, and provides immediate competence while a rookie develops?

The path forward isn't guaranteed success. But in a barren quarterback market, Derek Carr represents something increasingly rare: a low-risk, medium-reward option with legitimate upside.

The Verdict

Derek Carr's potential return is the NFL offseason's most underrated storyline. While everyone focuses on the Mendoza sweepstakes and Kyler Murray trade speculation, a healthy, motivated veteran who threw 50 touchdowns at Fresno State and made four Pro Bowls is quietly planning his resurrection.

The 2026 quarterback market is terrible. The draft class is thin. Free agency is bleak. Trade options are complicated and expensive.

Into this void steps a 34-year-old with fresh legs, a healed shoulder, and two clear requirements: health and a chance to win.

Teams that need immediate quarterback help should be lining up. Because in a market this weak, Derek Carr isn't just a viable option—he might be the best option available.

The resurrection is coming. The only question is which team will be smart enough to recognize it.

Footnotes

© 2026, FanDaily™. All rights reserved.

FanDaily is an independent platform not affiliated with or endorsed by any professional sports leagues, teams, organizations or schools. All trademarks and player names are property of their respective owners.