According to Sunday’s edition of NFL Network’s The Insiders, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported that Carr could return ahead of 2026, though a favorable situation would be required to bring him back to the field.
The report notes that teams conducted due diligence on Carr as quarterback injuries mounted this season and into the playoffs. The Bengals, for example, reached out after Joe Burrow sustained turf toe, illustrating that Carr remains a plausible solution in the right scenario amid broader quarterback uncertainty in free agency, trades and the draft.
New Orleans still owns Carr’s rights, and the relationship with the Saints isn’t described as contentious. In New Orleans, Tyler Shough showed flashes in 2025 and appears to be a leading candidate to lead the team in the future, with Spencer Rattler also in the quarterback room.
At age 34, Carr could have something left in the tank if the right opportunity presents itself. Whether such an opportunity arises — and whether the Saints would welcome a return to the field — remains to be seen.
