Derek Carr is eyeing an NFL comeback after spending just one season in retirement.
Carr, who retired last offseason following a labral tear and rotator cuff damage, has recovered well in his season off. He is reportedly back to throwing regularly as a part of his exercise routine, with no shoulder limitations.
And while he has made no public announcement about a return, sources indicate that "the right situation and coaching staff" could bring Carr out of retirement.
The Saints currently still hold his rights, so a return in 2026 would require a trade. And where he ends up, if such a return even does come to fruition, is anyone's guess. But some teams currently seem like better fits than others.
Derek Carr and the New York Jets: Why it makes sense
When you look at the current landscape of the NFL, the Jets make sense as a landing spot for Derek Carr, for more than a few reasons.
Credible reports that Derek Carr is interested in returning to the NFL and the #Jets just hired one of his favorite coaches Bill Musgrave as the QB coach. Could definitely see the Jets show interest in Carr as the veteran bridge QB this season pic.twitter.com/sEsf54P3qy
— Optimistic Jets (@OptimisticJets) February 10, 2026
The franchise is undergoing a rebuild under Aaron Glenn as he enters his second season as head coach, and the Jets desperately need an answer at quarterback if that rebuild is going to succeed. The starter to open the season, Justin Fields, was benched partway through the 2025 season after nine starts. Pending free agent Tyrod Taylor started four games with one win, and undrafted free agent Brady Cook started four games with no wins.
The Jets also just hired Bill Musgrave as their quarterbacks coach as part of an offensive staff overhaul, who has a close relationship with Carr. Musgrave became one of Carr's favorite coaches during his time as the Raiders' offensive coordinator from 2015-2016, when Carr threw for 7,433 yards and 60 touchdowns under his tutelage.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Why the Jets are the perfect fit for Derek Carr's NFL revival