Well, he did say "never say never."
Less than a year removed from his surprising retirement announcement last May, former Saints-Raiders QB Derek Carr could reportedly be eyeing an NFL comeback if he's able to find the right fit.
Carr retired following the 2024 season after opting not to undergo shoulder surgery that would've put playing time in jeopardy. But according to Ian Rapoport, he's spent the last 365 days working his way back from the torn labrum and rotator cuff and several teams have already shown interest in potentially acquiring the four-time Pro Bowler.
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Derek Carr could possibly unretire for 2026 season
Per the NFL Network insider, Carr's shoulder has responded well to the rest and rehab and has gotten to the point where he's already worked throwing back into his everyday training routine.
While Carr has remained active though, it doesn't sound like he's chasing a roster spot in the NFL — rather just keeping his eyes open for a situation that could work best if the team and coach are right.
According to Rapoport, several organizations reached out to Carr amid the rash of quarterback injuries this past season trying to find out if he'd be open to coming out of retirement: "The Bengals, for instance, contacted Carr after Joe Burrow went down with his turf toe injury," RapSheet shared.
Derek Carr teases potential NFL comeback: 'I wouldn't say never'
Appearing on the "Dan Patrick Show," last September, Carr left the door open to possibly suiting up again.
“I wouldn’t say never because I’ve learned that when I say never, it usually happens,” Carr admitted. “I think we’ve all probably learned that. So, for me right now, I’m training because I love to train. That’s gonna be the rest of my life. I love to train."
"I’m still just trying to get that back right from getting the shot and doing the rehab and all that," the 34-year-old continued. "So I’m still doing those things. And so I always felt like, even though I’m done, if God wanted me to do it, I’ve got to be ready. I don’t want to go out there and not be ready, you know. So I’ll be ready, but I’m not coming back. Like, right now, today, I’m not coming back.”
The Saints still hold Carr's rights and would likely ask for trade compensation were he to actually come back. However, it still very much remains to be seen whether or not No. 4 will be back on an NFL field next fall.
Although a reunion with Klint Kubiak on the Raiders could be a possibility if Las Vegas isn't looking to start Fernando Mendoza on Day 1.