As the Vikings survey the veteran quarterback market, a recently retired option may quietly emerge as a possible fit in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
The Minnesota Vikings will likely be linked to most veteran quarterbacks available this offseason. So far, the discussion has focused on active players, from Kirk Cousins to Joe Burrow. However, an unlikely candidate could soon enter the conversation.
Derek Carr, who was drafted in 2014 and retired following the 2024 season, could be an option for the Vikings if he decides to come back, per NFL Network. Carr last played for the New Orleans Saints, suffering a labral tear in his throwing shoulder 10 games into the season.
Had he not retired, Carr's status for the 2025 season still could have been in jeopardy due to the injury. But at 34, he still has years ahead of him if the shoulder recovers.
Carr reportedly received interest from teams last season anyway after numerous quarterbacks went down. The Cincinnati Bengals reached out to him after Jake Browning struggled in place of Joe Burrow.
One has to wonder if the Vikings contacted Carr at any point last year. Minnesota's quarterback room was thin even before J.J. McCarthy first missed time following their Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
The Vikings traded for Sam Howell during the draft, but he struggled mightily in camp and was sent to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a sixth-round pick.
Minnesota signed Carson Wentz after the preseason ended, and he started five games in place of McCarthy from Weeks 3 through 8. But he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, which elevated undrafted rookie Max Brosmer to the team's top backup quarterback spot.
While he wasn't perfect, Wentz did help the Vikings' offense orchestrate four of its top six yardage outputs of the season. That he was able to do so with so little time in the building is further evidence that Kevin O'Connell's system can work for a savvy veteran.
Carr could provide that baseline level of production as well, given his experience. He completed 65.1% of his passes over his 11-year career, and he remained efficient before getting hurt in 2024. That season, he completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only five picks in ten starts.
There will be some hurdles to clear first. Although Carr told Dan Patrick back in September, "never say never" about a comeback, he is still under contract with the Saints. New Orleans would likely be willing to move on from Carr if he chooses to return to the NFL, but a trade may be necessary.
Carr also has to be medically cleared to remove any doubt about his shoulder. The last thing the Vikings, or any interested team, wants to do is be stuck with an older quarterback with lingering issues with his throwing shoulder.
But if he does indeed choose to return and can prove he is healthy, Carr could be an interesting option for Minnesota. Even a trade may not require a premium, given the Saints' state after Tyler Shough's success as a rookie.
Carr probably won’t be the first name the Vikings pursue as competition for McCarthy, but if circumstances align, he could offer Kevin O’Connell a reliable baseline option without forcing the franchise into a long-term commitment.