In as recently as a piece published on May 28, Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated predicted that quarterback Derek Carr "will appear in an NFL game" during the 2025 season after the former New Orleans Saints starter shockingly retired due to reasons related to a significant shoulder injury in May.
During a recent chat with David Rumsey of Front Office Sports, Carr indicated that he's "having so much fun" spending springtime workouts away from the league.
"My agent literally texted me a few days ago and he said, 'Hey, just checking it in. How’s everything? You still feel comfortable with the decision?' And I sent him a picture of me on the beach with my two kids playing. And I said, 'This beats an (organized team activity) any day.' And he said, 'Yeah, I thought so,'" Carr told Rumsey. "So, I’m doing great and have thoroughly enjoyed being home."
Understandably, rumors surfaced about Carr possibly ending his retirement either later this year or in 2026, almost immediately after he officially called time on his career. He turned 34 years old this past March and, theoretically, could have plenty left in the tank if his shoulder fully heals. It's now no secret that he at least considered exploring a trade to a different team following the 2024 campaign before he learned he'd likely be sidelined for all of the upcoming season if he had surgery.
Much has been made about the fact that Carr gave up $30M in salary but kept a $10M roster bonus after he chose not to have surgery and then spend the 2025 season recovering from that procedure.
"That part was tough because I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and—it sounds crazy but—just take the Saints' money," Carr told Rumsey about that decision. "...I never played just for the money. I had a whole bunch of people tell me how crazy I was, and, 'Man, I would never have done that.' That’s all cool, but I’ve gained all these things that the world has to offer, and it doesn’t really do anything for your heart. I knew my heart was at peace, and that’s really all that mattered."
History shows pro athletes can experience a change of heart regarding retirement after spending only a few months away from the playing field. It seems likely multiple teams would be interested in Carr's services if he made it known he could be ready to play by September 2026, but it also sounds like he's in no rush to begin preparing to face live defenses in meaningful games anytime soon.
