Report: Teams interested in bringing Carr out of retirement

A number of teams around the league have done their due diligence on potentially bringing quarterback Derek Carr out of retirement, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

The interest began during the season when quarterback injuries mounted, with the Cincinnati Bengals reportedly contacting Carr when Joe Burrow went down with a turf toe injury in September.

Carr could unretire for the right situation and coaching staff, according to Garafolo. He called it quits in May due to a labral tear in his shoulder, along with damage to his rotator cuff. If Carr underwent surgery to repair the ailments, his 2025 season would've been in jeopardy.

The 34-year-old has since been rehabbing the shoulder injury and has no limitations. Carr's exercise routine includes throwing, and his shoulder has responded well after taking several months off.

The New Orleans Saints still own Carr's rights and could seek compensation in a potential trade if Carr wants to unretire. Tyler Shough emerged as the Saints' quarterback of the future after an impressive rookie campaign, and he's expected to lead the team in 2026.

Carr started 169 games during his 11-year career. He earned four Pro Bowl nominations during that stretch while throwing for over 41,000 yards with the Las Vegas Raiders and Saints.