New Quarterback on Table for MN Vikings?
Unsurprisingly, Minnesota Vikings fans found out yesterday that Joe Burrow reportedly won’t be available for trade. In that same report, Dianna Russini (The Athletic) wrote that San Francisco isn’t expected to deal Mac Jones, either.
Suddenly, the Minnesota Vikings seem low on competent veteran QB options for 2026. If Burrow and Jones aren’t available, then KOC & Co. will be down to lesser options like Daniel Jones (off knee surgery), Kirk Cousins, Malik Willis, Marcus Mariota, Joe Flacco… and it just gets worse from there.
But on Sunday, as we all wait for the Super Bowl this evening, Ian Rapoport (NFL Network) revealed another veteran quarterback who is rumored to be available this offseason
Derek Carr a new QB option for Minnesota Vikings?
Derek Carr retired following the 2024 season, due to a torn labrum and did not play in the NFL last season. But according to Rapoport, Carr is seriously considering a return to football in 2026.
A few months ago, when asked about coming out of retirement, Derek Carr said he would “never say never. Because I’ve learned that when I say never, it usually happens.”
It just might happen.
Carr doesn’t seem to be actively chasing a return to the NFL. He’s indicated he has enjoyed spending time with family and taking on various projects. But he surely knows the interest is there and sources have said the right situation and coaching staff could lure Carr back onto the field.
Ian Rapoport – NFL.com
Originally selected by Oakland in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Derek Carr moved with the team to Las Vegas in 2020. But after nine seasons with the organization that drafted him, Carr played in 2023 and 2024 with the New Orleans Saints.
The Vikings could look for other trade opportunities, beyond Mac Jones and Joe Burrow. But if there are only 15-20 competent quarterbacks in the NFL, how many of those are going to be available via trade? The answer may be zero.
MN Vikings must consider Carr if he really is available
In other words, the Minnesota Vikings cannot afford to trip up at any point, in their QB search this offseason. So if a 34-year-old former No. 36 overall pick, with 169 NFL starts under his belt is now available… the Vikings MUST seriously consider him.
Rapoport writes that it was the Bengals who showed serious interest in Carr, when Joe Burrow went down with an injury. Now that the offseason is upon us, it sounds like momentum toward Carr’s return continues to grow.
As quarterback injuries mounted this season and into the playoffs, teams conducted due diligence on Carr, trying to gather information as to whether the former Saints franchise passer would consider coming out of retirement, sources tell The Insiders. The Bengals, for instance, contacted Carr after Joe Burrow went down with his turf toe injury.
That work continues, and an offseason of quarterback uncertainty — with limited options in free agency, trades and the draft — makes Carr a possible solution in the right situation.
Obviously, Cincinnati won’t be a landing spot for Derek Carr anymore. But I know a place that would be. Out of all the quarterbacks the Vikings could go for, Carr might be the best realistic option, if he really is as healthy as Rapoport claims he is.
The Vikings have made it abundantly clear to other teams and NFL insiders that “all bets are off” this offseason, in their search for a veteran quarterback. And if you put Carr up against Kirk Cousins or Mac Jones… he might be the best of all three options.
His shoulder has now improved to the point where he is throwing fully as part of his regular exercise routine. Teams have learned Carr currently has no shoulder limitations.
Ian Rapoport – NFL.com
In 27 games with the Saints between 2023-2024, before he was injured week 11 of the 2024 season, Carr threw for 6023 yards (68.2%), for 40 touchdown passes, just 13 interceptions.
Derek Carr still under contract with the Saints
There could be a small roadblock in acquiring Carr. He was still under contract with the Saints, when he retired two offseasons ago. Thus, New Orleans still owns his rights.
However, because the Saints have Tyler Shough, they aren’t expected to put up much of a fight in releasing or trading Carr, should he officially announce his unretirement.
The Saints still hold Carr’s rights, though Tyler Shough‘s impressive rookie season, the amicable end to Carr’s time in New Orleans and the way the sides worked through any salary-cap issues add up to his tolled contract being an unlikely hurdle in the process. The Saints could ask for compensation in a trade, though the price surely wouldn’t be an unreasonable ask for a player who has no future in New Orleans.
Ian Rapoport – NFL.com
Over the course of his career, Derek Carr blossomed into a very nice NFL quarterback. He’s thrown for over 40,000 yards with a 65.1% completion rate, and more than two touchdowns (257) to every one interception (112).
Carr really hit his NFL stride in 2018, when his completion rate jumped from the low 60’s to 68.9%. In six of seven seasons from 2018 to 2024, the former Fresno State superstar completed at least over 67% of his passes.
Every Derek Carr passing touchdown this season pic.twitter.com/Dq0avvYT5Q
— Pitless (@pitlessball) January 7, 2025
If Derek Carr is coming back and his shoulder is as healthy as Ian Rapoport reports it is… then the Minnesota Vikings should do EVERYTHING within their power to get him in a purple and gold uniform.
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