Derek Carr has left the door slightly ajar when asked if he would ever play in the NFL again, and one team recently called the veteran quarterback to gauge his interest in making a comeback.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Sunday that the Cincinnati Bengals conducted an “exhaustive search” for a new quarterback before they acquired Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. One of the options that the Bengals explored was luring Carr out of retirement.
Carr made the surprising decision to retire following the 2024 season, but he remains under contract with the New Orleans Saints.
“Essentially, what (the Bengals) did in canvassing the league was call up every team that had three quarterbacks or a viable practice-squad option, including Davis Mills, Sam Howell. I’m told they checked in on Derek Carr, who of course would have to be a trade with the New Orleans Saints (since) he retired with them,” Rapoport said.
The #Bengals’ exhaustive QB search including calling nearly all teams with 3 QBs or a viable PS option. Among the names they inquired about: Davis Mills, Sam Howell and Derek Carr, who is still retired with the #Saints. No call on Ryan Tannehill, who hasn’t played since 2023. https://t.co/yLdFJJcq51
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 12, 2025
Carr supposedly retired in part because of a shoulder injury that reportedly would have required surgery. He said he would not have felt right sitting out and collecting his $30 million salary from the Saints, so it is unclear if he would even be healthy enough to play in 2025, anyway.
There had been rumblings that Carr was unhappy with the Saints, which has led to speculation that he may eventually try to return with another team.
Carr battled injuries last season and finished the year with 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in 10 games. He has said he is happy in retirement, though he also recently noted that he has stayed in shape and is not totally ruling out a comeback.
