Before the start of the 2025 NFL season, quarterback Derek Carr surprised many across the league when he announced his retirement, leaving the New Orleans Saints with a two-man QB battle. In Carr’s time with the Saints, he managed just a 14-13 record, leaving fans and members within the organization longing for change.
While a lingering shoulder injury would likely have limited Carr’s performance this past season, the year off from football now allows him to speak more optimistically about his future and about teams inquiring about a potential return to the field. If Derek were to unretire from the NFL, what would realistic compensation look like for the Saints in a possible trade? Who would be the suitors for Carr?
Whether Carr was traded to a team seeking a veteran backup to mentor and serve as a safety net in case of injury or a QB-needy team wanting a player that can have an immediate impact, the consensus is that New Orleans would fetch at least a mid-round pick, likely in the third through fifth round, in exchange.
With a solidified starter in place in Tyler Shough and a formidable backup in Spencer Rattler, if the Saints can net any sort of draft compensation for a “retired” Carr, that would have to be considered a win for the team. Teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders, or Minnesota Vikings seem like the likeliest new teams that would be willing to make a move for Carr.
It was reported following Joe Burrow’s injury this year that the Bengals actually did attempt to reach out to Carr, so it would not be surprising if they tried again, even if only asking about the asking price.
Las Vegas holds the first overall pick in the upcoming 2026 draft and is expected to select Indiana QB and reigning national champion Fernando Mendoza as their quarterback of the future. The Raiders reached an agreement with current Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to become the new head coach in Las Vegas after Super Bowl LX. Kubiak served as Carr’s OC in New Orleans in 2024, so a reunion would not be completely out of the picture.
After moving on from Sam Darnold, the Vikings opted to have J.J. McCarthy be their starter for the time to come. However, after seeing Darnold’s success with the Seahawks and not being completely satisfied with McCarthy’s efforts, Minnesota could seek out Carr for a veteran presence, provided his injuries were healed and showed no impedement on his throwing capabilities.
What team(s) do you think should be in the mix for Derek Carr? If you were the GM, what would you want in return for the QB? Let us know in the comments!