Get ready for a plot twist that could shake up the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings, fresh off a season of quarterback uncertainty, are reportedly considering a move that’s as bold as it is unexpected: pursuing retired signal-caller Derek Carr.
A Rookie Stumble and a Front Office Shift
The Vikings entered last season with high hopes for rookie J.J. McCarthy, but the young quarterback’s debut was rocky. Completing just 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards with 11 touchdowns against 12 interceptions, McCarthy failed to lock down the long-term starting role. This performance, coupled with the departure of GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, has prompted a major strategic pivot in Minnesota.
As ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted, the Vikings are now expected to ‘take a big swing’ for a proven veteran quarterback this offseason. ‘If anything, these events increase the chances that the Vikings will take a big swing at finding a veteran quarterback who could start in 2026,’ Seifert reported. ‘The only thing more damaging than making the mistakes the Vikings made last season would be to repeat them this year.’
The Derek Carr Connection
Enter Derek Carr. According to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, the 34-year-old’s name has surfaced repeatedly in discussions about Minnesota’s QB future. ‘Carr’s name came up more than I thought it would,’ Goessling revealed. This is a fascinating development, given that Carr hasn’t played a down since the 2024 season, retiring last offseason due to a right shoulder injury.
In his final season with the New Orleans Saints, Carr showed he still had plenty in the tank. He started 10 games, completing an impressive 67.7% of his passes for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. However, any potential move is complicated. The Saints still hold his contractual rights, meaning Minnesota would need to orchestrate a trade to bring him aboard.
Would Carr Actually Return?
The million-dollar question isn't just if the Vikings want him, but if Derek Carr wants to play football again. On his ‘Home Grown’ podcast, Carr laid out his conditions for a potential comeback. ‘Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not,’ Carr stated. ‘I told you two things: I have to be healthy, and I’d want a chance to win a Super Bowl. And obviously, that’s a tough thing to find.’
This puts the Vikings in an interesting position. While they missed the playoffs last season, head coach Kevin O’Connell previously guided the team to a stellar 14-3 record in 2024. The pieces for a contender exist—a strong offensive system, talented skill players, and a defense on the rise. The missing link has been consistent, high-level quarterback play.
A Calculated Gamble for Minnesota
Pursuing Carr is a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The Vikings would be betting that:
- Carr is fully recovered from the shoulder injury that prompted his retirement.
- He can quickly regain his Pro Bowl form after a year away from the game.
- His veteran leadership and experience can elevate the entire offense immediately.
For Carr, the appeal would be a clear path to starting for a team with playoff aspirations in a wide-open NFC. It’s a scenario that could satisfy his desire for a legitimate shot at championship contention.
As the NFL offseason rumor mill churns, this potential partnership between the Minnesota Vikings and Derek Carr stands out as one of the most intriguing storylines. It’s a testament to the Vikings' urgency to compete now and a fascinating test of a retired quarterback’s competitive fire. All eyes will be on Minneapolis and Carr’s camp to see if this surprising rumor transforms into a reality that reshapes the conference landscape.
