Another Quarterback Could Follow In Philip Rivers’ Footsteps

Report: Colts Reached Out To Derek Carr Before Signing Philip Rivers

It’s hard to know exactly how Derek Carr could have joined the Colts. For one, the quarterback retired thanks to a shoulder injury that, at the very least, likely would have cost him a sizable portion of the 2025 season. The fact that Indianapolis reached out implies that Carr’s injury is something he could theoretically return from, but he’s probably not anywhere close to being in peak football shape.

Additionally, the Saints still have his rights. While he’s not playing anymore, he’s currently on the team’s Reserve/Retired list, which means he is still technically under contract with the organization. Seeing as the trade deadline has passed, New Orleans would need to release him from the Reserve/Retired list in order for him to join Indianapolis. This would subject Carr to waivers, so any team with a better record than the Colts could claim the quarterback and keep him from joining Indianapolis.

This is all one long way of saying that Derek Carr never had much of a shot of playing for the Colts – or anyone else, for that matter – in 2025. However, 2026 is a different story. Indianapolis reportedly believed Carr has the physical ability to play football, so perhaps the quarterback entertains a return in 2026.

Back On the Field?

If Derek Carr returns to the NFL, it probably won’t be with the Saints. Second-round rookie Tyler Shough has played remarkably well in a poor environment and has likely bought himself at least one more season under center. However, if Kellen Moore’s squad isn’t sold on his future, then the organization could use their inevitable top-10 pick on a passer. Either way, it’s hard to envision Carr suiting up for New Orleans ever again.

Given his age and injury history, he won’t be any team’s first option. However, there aren’t enough good quarterbacks to go around, and while Derek Carr isn’t a franchise quarterback, he’s a perfectly adequate starter who should generate some interest. Carr, meanwhile, probably won’t want to play for a rebuilding organization and would rather join a team that could make the playoffs with adequate quarterback play.

Looking around the league, the Minnesota Vikings seem like the most likely destination. Former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy played well against the Washington Commanders last week, but his overall body of work leaves a lot to be desired. The Vikings have a playoff-caliber roster, and a good-but-not-great quarterback like Carr could get this team to the postseason.