Minnesota Vikings Eye Stunning Move To Bring Retired Quarterback Back To The NFL

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings might make a surprising move this offseason. Reports say the team is interested in retired quarterback Derek Carr as they look for help at the position.

Last season, Minnesota started with high hopes for J.J. McCarthy. The former Michigan quarterback began the year as the main starter, but he struggled. He completed 57.6% of his passes for 1,632 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He did not clearly prove that he is the long-term answer at quarterback.

ESPN reporter Kevin Seifert reported that Minnesota expects to “take a big swing” at quarterback this offseason. He noted that McCarthy just turned 23 and has only 10 NFL starts. Still, he pointed to growing pressure inside the building to fix the mistake from last season. “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 wrote.

Carr Keeps Door Open For Return

That big swing might involve Carr. Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune said Carr’s name surfaced often in league circles when people discussed Minnesota’s plans. “Carr’s name came up more than I thought it would,” Goessling said.

Carr retired last offseason because of a right shoulder injury. He last played in 2024 with the New Orleans Saints, where he started 10 games. That season, he completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,145 yards, with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Derek Carr to the Vikings????@BenGoessling, @emleiker, and @Andrew_Krammer with some back and forth on Carr.

Goessling: “Yeah, yeah, [Carr’s name] came up more than I thought it would. I mean, that name came up more than I thought it would…”

Krammer: “Well, that’s… pic.twitter.com/IrKsRS6pF0

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 26, 2026

The Saints still hold his contract, so if he decides to come back, a team would have to trade for him. That makes things more complicated.

Carr recently addressed the idea on his “Home Grown” podcast. He did not shut the door. “Would I do it? Yes. Would I do it for anybody? Absolutely not,” Carr said. He laid out clear terms. “I have to be healthy, and I’d want a chance to win a Super Bowl.”

The Vikings missed the playoffs last season. Head coach Kevin O’Connell led the team to a strong 14-3 record in 2024, and the roster still has talent. Now the team must decide whether to keep developing J.J. McCarthy or try to bring in an experienced quarterback.

Carr wants to join a contender. The Vikings want steady play at quarterback. The next few months will determine if those goals match up.