Derek Carr is willing to come out of retirement but 'vetoes' certain teams

Former Derek Carr, who stepped away from the NFL due to a shoulder injury, has made it clear he's not entirely closing the door on his playing career.

On his Home Grown podcast with his brother, Derek Carr said he would consider returning to the league, but only if the situation aligned with his personal goals and physical readiness.

"Would I come back? The answer is yes," Derek Carr said, but he stressed that it wouldn't be for just any team.

"Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not," he added, making it clear he wants to play only for a roster that offers him a legitimate chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

Derek Carr's comments suggest he has already weighed offers from teams that didn't fit his criteria and passed on them. The veteran's focus appears to be on finding a contender rather than a rebuilding franchise.

Conditions shape potential comeback plans

Health is a major factor in Derek Carr's thinking. He retired after dealing with a labral tear and degenerative changes in his shoulder that limited his availability and threw uncertainty into his future.

Before contemplating a return, Derek Carr wants to be confident that he can perform without risk of re-aggravating lingering issues.

In addition to being physically ready, he wants a situation that gives him a shot at postseason success.

That condition could limit his options, since few teams both need a quarterback and are considered legitimate contenders in the short term.

Still, Derek Carr's willingness to return if the fit is right keeps his name in discussions around quarterback movement ahead of the 2026 season.

Teams looking for veteran leadership could see value in someone with Derek Carr's experience, but they'll need to offer the right mix of talent and opportunity to win.

Derek Carr career stats

• Games played: 169
• Passing yards: 41,245
• Passing touchdowns: 257
• Interceptions: 112
• Passer rating: 92.8