Former NFL quarterback Derek Carr has indicated that multiple teams have reached out to him this offseason regarding a potential return to the league, though he remains hesitant to unretire.
Carr, who earned $205 million and secured four Pro Bowl selections during his decade-long NFL career, announced his retirement in May 2025, citing a shoulder injury as the primary reason. Despite his decision to step away from professional football, the 35-year-old has been fielding inquiries from teams interested in his services.
"I never say never," Carr told the NFL Network on Friday. "It would take a special situation. There were multiple teams that reached out to me this offseason. I won't say who or how, but they reached out and were gauging my interest on what I wanted to do. They were good, solid football teams."
Carr emphasized that any potential return would necessitate joining a team with genuine Super Bowl aspirations. "I'm just at the point where I just want to win. I want to win," he stated. "So if I were to do it, it would have to be a special team that maybe lost somebody or needed somebody, but even then, it's not guaranteed."
He also noted his current satisfaction with life away from the game. "I'm having too much fun hanging out with my wife, hanging out with my kids, and trying to get good at golf. So it would take a special deal."
By retiring in May 2025, Carr relinquished a $30 million guaranteed salary for the 2025 season with the New Orleans Saints, having already received a $10 million roster bonus. He had considered playing through his shoulder injury and subsequent surgery before ultimately deciding to retire.
Approximately 14 months after his retirement announcement, Carr maintains a level of preparedness for a potential comeback should the right opportunity arise. "I'm always training," he said. "I'll be in shape and ready, but probably not. I'll probably be just coaching my kids."