Ex-Raiders QB Derek Carr Has Already Made Decision on Possible 2026 Return

Considering his shoulder injury, it wasn't a complete surprise that Derek Carr decided to retire instead of getting surgery. However, at 34, he could feasibly take a year off to get his shoulder right and make a comeback in 2026.

That doesn't appear to be in the former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback's plans. According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Carr is already moving on to other things.

"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, it’s 'extremely unlikely' that Carr will return. He’s already making other professional plans," Florio wrote.

"While Carr eventually will land on the Saints’ reserve/retired list, an unretirement in 2026 would likely trigger an immediate release of his rights, given that his 2025 salary of $30 million would immediately hit the cap. At most, the Saints would finagle a late-round pick from a team interested in signing him."

Former Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Now, "extremely unlikely" doesn't mean he's completely closing the door on the idea. That said, it is difficult to see a scenario where Carr wants to come back.

His last two years in Las Vegas and his only two years in New Orleans were tumultuous to say the least. The idea of having to deal with the drama associated with football can't be appealing.

He's also under contract with the Saints, so that would complicate the situation. No team is going to want to trade for that contract, but he's likely not going to want to come back for less money.

It'll be interesting to see what his other "professional plans" are, but it's unlikely it will be under center for an NFL team.