‘I’ll Never Say Never’ — 4-Time Pro Bowl QB Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return to NFL After Early Retirement

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‘I’ll Never Say Never’ — 4-Time Pro Bowl QB Leaves Door Open for Surprise Return to NFL After Early Retirement

The NFL offseason frequently generates unexpected roster speculation, but few developments match the sudden intrigue of an accomplished quarterback considering an exit from retirement.

As franchises finalize operational depth charts before training camps commence later this month, personnel deficiencies across the league have forced several front offices to evaluate veteran options under center.

A four-time Pro Bowl signal-caller has officially confirmed that the door to his professional career remains open, reshaping the dynamics of midsummer quarterback market evaluations.

Derek Carr Confirms Offseason Inquiries from Multiple NFL Franchises​

Former Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr stepped away from professional football in May 2025 due to a labral tear and degenerative changes in his right shoulder.

Despite spending the entire 2025 season away from the gridiron, the 35-year-old quarterback indicated his retirement is not entirely permanent.

During an appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Friday, Carr acknowledged that his phone has been active this offseason as multiple front offices look to gauge his availability for the upcoming campaign.

“I never say never,” Carr told “Good Morning Football.” “It would take a special situation. There were multiple teams that reached out to me this offseason, and I won’t say who or how, but they reached out and were just gauging my interest. … They’re good, solid football teams, but a couple of them in some different situations. I think I’m just at the point where I just want to win.”

While Carr declined to disclose the specific identities of the franchises that initiated contact, any official move toward an unretirement could present distinct contractual and legal hurdles.

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Because Carr stepped away from the sport while still under contract with New Orleans, the organization placed him on the reserve/retired list, meaning the Saints continue to retain his exclusive NFL rights.

Consequently, any outside franchise seeking to acquire the veteran passer would be required to either negotiate a formal trade agreement or secure an official release from the New Orleans front office. Direct recruitment of Carr without prior permission from the Saints would violate the league’s strict tampering policies.

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Carr clarified that he is currently enjoying personal time and working to improve his golf game, while maintaining a rigorous physical training schedule to ensure he stays in peak football condition.

For a realistic comeback to materialize, Carr emphasized that he would only consider joining a legitimate Super Bowl contender facing an immediate quarterback crisis.

Carr finished his 11-year career as the all-time passing leader in Raiders franchise history, accumulating a franchise-record 35,222 passing yards and 217 touchdowns over nine seasons before his final two-year stint in New Orleans.

While a formal return remains a statistical long shot with veterans scheduled to report to camps in late July, Carr’s refusal to close the door completely ensures his name will remain a central fixture in emergency quarterback discussions throughout the 2026 season.

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