Derek Carr's potential return opens a rare NFL win-win for the Saints, offering draft capital and cap resolution, not a quarterback controversy.
Just when the "Who Dat" nation had finally settled into the post-Derek Carr era, the rumor mill has churned out a surprising development. Reports indicate that Derek Carr—who retired last May due to a significant shoulder injury—is officially open to a 2026 NFL return. Ok “Who Dat” nation, let’s take a long pause and deep inhale and then exhale, LOUDLY.
At 34 years old and reportedly healthy after a year of rest, Carr is no longer the "broken" veteran who walked away to save the Saints' cap space. He is now the most intriguing (somewhat) "free" agent on the market. But for the New Orleans Saints, his return doesn't mean a reunion, but rather it means a business opportunity with some possible leverage.
"A few months ago, when asked about coming out of retirement, Derek Carr said he would 'never say never. Because I've learned that when I say never, it usually happens.' It just might happen," Rapoport, Garafolo and Pelissero wrote.
The New Reality in New Orleans
To understand why a Carr return is so significant, you have to look at how much the Saints' landscape has changed since he left.
- The Rise of Tyler Shough: The Saints didn't just survive without Carr; they thrived. Rookie Tyler Shough didn't just take the reins; he ran with them, emerging as a legitimate Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
- A New Offensive Identity: Under head coach Kellen Moore and quarterback coach Scott Tolzien, the Saints have transitioned to a younger, more mobile offensive scheme.
- The Contractual Tether:Because Carr retired while still under contract, the Saints still hold his rights.He can’t just sign with the highest bidder; he has to go through New Orleans first.
What It Means for the Saints
If Carr decides to put the pads back on, the Saints find themselves in a rare "win-win" scenario that few saw coming a year ago.
1. The Trade Market Jackpot
The 2026 quarterback market is looking bleak. Between a shallow draft class and limited veteran free agents, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets are desperate for a steady hand.
The Upside: The Saints could likely flip Carr’s rights for a mid-round draft pick (a 3rd or 4th rounder). For a player who was technically "off the books," that is found money for a front office that loves to wheel and deal.
2. Salary Cap Resolution
When Carr retired, he did the Saints a massive favor by relinquishing certain guarantees. If he returns, the Saints have the leverage to ensure his "un-retirement" doesn't wreck their cap. Most insiders expect an amicable split where the Saints either trade him or release him with a "gentleman's agreement" that protects their financial flexibility.
3. No More "Quarterback Controversy"
In the past, a veteran return might have sparked a locker room divide. Not this time. This is Tyler Shough’s team. Carr returning actually reinforces Shough’s status because it allows the Saints to officially close the book on the Carr era by moving him elsewhere, rather than having his "retired" ghost haunting the salary cap projections.
A Clean Break
Derek Carr’s time in New Orleans was a rollercoaster of high-scoring starts and injury-plagued finishes. While his exit was graceful, a return to the Superdome in a black-and-gold jersey would be a step backward for a franchise that has finally found its youthful spark.
Instead, the Saints should view Carr’s return as a parting gift. If he can find the "right situation" he’s looking for, the Saints can pick up an extra draft asset and wish him well. It's the rare NFL breakup where both sides can actually walk away happy.