Derek Carr seems to refute this claim about possible NFL comeback

Multiple reports released this week shared that NFL teams have thus far shown "little interest in" acquiring the rights from the New Orleans Saints for retired quarterback Derek Carr, who has made it known he could be interested in playing later this season. 

During an appearance on the latest edition of the "3 & Out With John Middlekauff" podcast, Carr indicated he has heard from interested clubs this winter. 

How many teams have checked in on Derek Carr?

"There's been, I'd say, probably three or four teams that have been serious, you know, a couple others that were just like, feeling it out. They're kind of going through that process," Carr explained, per Jake Brockhoff of Steelers Depot. "I've been training the whole time, physically. Throwing, now, I ramped that up...And I've been feeling great doing that."

Carr was on the Saints roster when he retired in May 2025 due to reasons related to a significant shoulder injury, so New Orleans still holds his rights. According to Katherine Terrell of ESPN, the Saints could look to receive a third- or fifth-round draft pick if a team wants to land the services of the signal-caller who turns 35 years old later in March.

On Wednesday, Terrell revealed that "New Orleans had not heard from Carr's representation or any team interested in possibly acquiring him" as of last week's NFL scouting combine.

What is Derek Carr looking for in a new team? 

Carr previously suggested he only wants to join a team that could give him "a chance to win a Super Bowl." During the podcast interview, he expanded on what he's looking for in a would-be employer. 

"I think it would just take the right wave of coach, team, offense, all that stuff, for it to go the way that I think, that I would say, 'for sure,'" Carr said about possibly making a comeback later this year. "I'd want to be on a team that can win, a team that can actually have a chance to go to the playoffs, win a championship, do those things...Would I do it? Absolutely, I would do it."

Those comments could cause one to wonder if Carr may wait to see if an advertised contender loses a QB1 to an injury this summer or early into the 2026 season. Presumably, quarterback-needy clubs will begin grabbing potential starters once the new league year opens on March 11.