The New Orleans Saints find themselves in an unexpectedly advantageous position as they navigate the offseason. After a sudden medical retirement forced them to rely on a pair of young quarterbacks in 2025, the possibility of veteran Derek Carr’s return to the NFL has emerged, coupled with his apparent recovery and a potential trade market. While the Saints discovered a promising franchise option in rookie Tyler Shough, Carr’s availability presents a unique opportunity for the team to capitalize on his services.
Carr’s retirement last offseason stemmed from a shoulder injury that significantly hampered his throwing ability. However, recent reports indicate substantial healing, allowing him to perform the necessary movements for throwing a football. This development has sparked interest from several teams around the league, creating a scenario where the Saints could potentially trade the 34-year-old quarterback and acquire valuable draft capital in return.
The situation is particularly intriguing given the current landscape of quarterback-needy teams. Several franchises are actively searching for stability at the position, and Carr, despite his recent health concerns, could offer a steady presence for a team aiming to contend immediately. According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, the Saints may have an opportunity to trade the veteran QB this offseason.
Derek Carr and the Indianapolis Colts: A Potential Fit
The Indianapolis Colts emerge as a particularly logical destination for Carr. While they appear to have found a potential franchise quarterback in Daniel Jones, his Achilles tendon tear at the end of last season introduces uncertainty. A strategic approach for the Colts could involve extending Jones on a three- or four-year contract while simultaneously acquiring Carr via trade.
This dual-quarterback strategy would provide the Colts with two experienced options to compete for the starting role. Carr could serve as a reliable bridge quarterback during Jones’s recovery, ensuring stability at the position. Should Jones struggle to regain his form post-injury, Carr would offer a proven safety net. Conversely, if both quarterbacks perform effectively, the Colts could explore trading one of them, maximizing their return on investment. This flexibility makes the prospect of acquiring Carr particularly appealing for Indianapolis.
Luke Loffrendo of Saints Wire recently proposed a mock trade that would send Carr to the Colts in exchange for a fourth-round and a fifth-round draft pick. While the ultimate compensation package remains to be seen, this proposal illustrates the potential value the Saints could receive for their veteran quarterback.
The Saints’ ability to secure compensation for Carr’s services would be a significant win, especially considering the circumstances surrounding his initial retirement. The team’s front office now has the opportunity to evaluate offers from interested teams and determine the optimal trade scenario that maximizes their return. Several other teams have been mentioned as potential suitors, including the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Jets, and the Arizona Cardinals, each offering varying levels of draft capital.
Potential trade proposals, as outlined by Loffrendo, include:
- To the Vikings: Saints receive pick No. 97 (3rd round compensatory); Vikings receive Derek Carr and pick No. 189 (6th round).
- To the Jets: Saints receive pick No. 103 (4th round) and pick No. 206 (6th round); Jets receive Derek Carr.
- To the Cardinals: Saints receive pick No. 104 (4th round) and pick No. 181 (6th round); Cardinals receive Derek Carr.
- To the Colts: Saints receive pick No. 102 (4th round) and pick No…
The key for the Saints will be to find a trade partner willing to offer a package that reflects Carr’s potential value and addresses their needs. The Colts, with their current quarterback situation and potential for contention, appear to be a strong candidate. However, the Saints will undoubtedly explore all available options to ensure they receive the best possible return for a player who, despite his recent challenges, remains a capable NFL quarterback.
As teams continue to assess their quarterback needs and available draft capital, the situation surrounding Derek Carr is poised to become one of the more compelling storylines of the offseason. The Saints, having navigated a challenging period at the position, now find themselves in a position to potentially benefit from Carr’s renewed health and the league’s ongoing search for quarterback stability.
