Derek Carr unretirement chatter puts Jets fans in familiar territory

Like clockwork, the New York Jets are in the market for a quarterback this offseason. They will exhaust all options, including ones fans probably won't be too thrilled about, namely Derek Carr.

Carr retired last offseason because of a throwing shoulder injury, and the New Orleans Saints still hold his contractual rights. However, the four-time Pro Bowler is reportedly eyeing a comeback, taking Gang Green on an uninspiring trip down memory lane.

Not long ago, back in March 2023, the Jets were considered the favorite to land Carr in free agency. But as the story goes, the two sides went in different directions. He joined the Saints, and New York traded for future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers nearly two months later — and the rest is history.

Jets fans bracing for déjà vu amid Derek Carr unretirement buzz

Jets supporters surely remember the blurry photo of Carr with the club's ex-head coach and general manager, Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas, that circulated online. New York's current brain trust suddenly has a chance to prove that time is a flat circle by recreating the image.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, "there's a strong belief" that Carr is "very serious" about suiting up again following a one-year hiatus. Moreover, teams "with winning aspirations have real interest." While New York doesn't exactly fall into that bucket, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is fighting for his job and can't afford another lost campaign.

Aside from the different regimes, the Jets' previous flirtation with Carr at least opens the door to dialogue between the two sides. He could prove to be the top signal-caller available, especially if they aren't sold on any of the prospects of the underwhelming 2026 draft class.

Turning 35 on March 28, Carr has been laying the groundwork for his comeback for quite some time after sitting out 2025. He didn't say no when asked about it in September; quite the opposite, actually. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport also disclosed that the Cincinnati Bengals "checked in" on him before acquiring Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns in October.

Skip ahead to February, and Rapoport revealed that "the right situation and coaching staff could lure Carr back onto the field." Who knows if a Glenn-led Jets squad with glaring needs on both sides of the ball fits that bill? Yet, one way or another, the Jets may be desperate enough to find out.

For what it's worth, Carr said he'd return if healthy and given "a chance to win a Super Bowl." So, it feels safe to say his and the Jets' timelines probably don't align.