Vikings, Chiefs, Raiders named possible landing spots for QB contemplating unretiring

An interesting wrinkle could be added to the offseason quarterback market.

According to Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com, Derek Carr could return to the NFL after retiring last year.

The NFL Network insiders add that Carr isn't "actively chasing a return to the NFL," but he could return for "the right situation and coaching staff."

Carr retired after it was revealed he had a shoulder injury that would require surgery and likely knock him out the entire 2025 campaign.

Carr is now believed to be fully healthy and doesn't have any limitations.

If Carr does come back and doesn't return to the New Orleans Saints, which seems highly unlikely given the presence of Tyler Shough, the Saints have to trade the veteran signal-caller because he's still under contract.

Upon learning of Carr's potential comeback, Sportsnaut's Jason Burgos named the Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings as possible landing spots for the four-time Pro Bowler.

"The Kansas City Chiefs already have a franchise quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. However, in December, the superstar signal-caller tore his ACL. While he is aiming for a Week 1 return, if KC had a proven QB on staff, they could choose to be extra cautious with their top star. While he won’t get to start often, the chance to play for an elite franchise and play a key role in a potential Super Bowl run would appeal to the player who has never come close to a championship," Burgos said of Carr to KC.

"One team that will definitely kick the tires on Derek Carr is the Minnesota Vikings. It has already been reported that the organization will be in search of a veteran QB to compete with and/or mentor JJ McCarthy next season. Coach Kevin O’Connell is one of the most respected in the game for his work with QBs. Playing for him and a chance to start would definitely appeal to the 34-year-old QB," he said of Carr to Minnesota.

"Carr and the Raiders had an ugly breakup three years ago. It was a moment that the QB never wanted. However, the team is under new management and has Tom Brady as part of their ownership group," Burgos said of Las Vegas. "They are a lock to use the No. 1 pick in April on Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. It would be in his best interest not to be rushed into a starting job. So it’s not impossible that the team looked to mend fences and asked Carr to be a mentor to Mendoza. Returning to finish as a Raider on his terms would be a feel-good story."

We would immediately cancel the Raiders off this list.

With the team slated to draft Fernando Mendoza, who is almost certainly going to start right away, it's highly unlikely Carr would be an option for Las Vegas, and Carr would probably want to go to a place where he can start.

We would consider the Chiefs a possibility, as Patrick Mahomes isn't guaranteed to be ready for the start of the season after suffering a torn ACL in December. Carr would be a strong option to keep KC afloat until he gets healthy.

The Vikings amount to the most realistic landing spot of these three. Minnesota is reportedly keen on adding a veteran quarterback and Carr would be an ideal fit to push J.J. McCarthy and possibly provide an upgrade if he sees the field.

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