In a shocking turn of events, Derek Carr has officially hung up his cleats at just 34 years old. This has sparked a debate: could he make a comeback in 2026?

According to sources close to the situation, the chances are "extremely unlikely." Carr is already looking towards new professional ventures beyond football.

The Road Ahead for Carr

While he will eventually find a spot on the Saints' reserve/retired list, the logistics of an unretirement in 2026 present a complicated challenge. Should he decide to return, the Saints would have to deal with a hefty $30 million salary cap hit from 2025, making a swift release of his rights almost inevitable. The best they could hope for would be a late-round draft pick from any interested teams.

A Future in Sports?

Though history has shown us that many quarterbacks can play well into their 30s, and even past 40, Carr's current situation is more about his readiness than his age. With a recovering shoulder and a year or more away from the game, the door for his return is ajar but not widely open.

For now, Carr appears to be stepping away for good. But stay tuned — the landscape of professional football is always changing.