Earlier this week, the Las Vegas Raiders signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. That's another team the New Orleans Saints can cross off on the possible Derek Carr trade list.
Klint Kubiak clearly showed which former quarterback he valued more. Carr had hinted at a reunion with Kubiak and the Raiders. Guess he didn't think of Kubiak also being Cousins' former quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. He won't be starting for long, as the Raiders are expected to take Fernando Mendoza first overall. Perhaps that is why a deal for Carr didn't work out.
With Vegas heading a different direction than some might've expected, Derek Carr and the Saints will have to find another team to deal him to. That is if anyone has called them, because at this rate, it seems that no team has moved a muscle since it's been released that Carr is open to a return.
The list of teams that might want Saints' QB Derek Carr is dwindling
The Minnesota Vikings signed Kyler Murray; the Raiders, Kirk Cousins; the New York Jets, Geno Smith; and the Miami Dolphins, Malik Willis. All once thought of as a possible destination for Derek Carr and all chose another option. However, that doesn't mean that he's going to stay retired just yet.
Playing professional football in 2026 is still not off the table for the four-time Pro Bowler, although it is becoming less and less likely for the former Saints and Raiders quarterback. Carr could still be playing in the NFL next year.
There is still one team that has yet to make a prominent decision at quarterback: the Pittsburgh Steelers. Currently, they're waiting to hear back from Aaron Rodgers on whether or not he'll be playing next year. If he takes too long, or actually retires, they might have to look for a starter elsewhere. They're options are dwindling, so maybe two parties without many options may be left to choose each other.
It's hard to see another option pursuing Carr in this moment. If Pittsburgh chooses to go in a different direction or Rodgers comes back, that'll essentially squash all Carr trade talk. At that point, he'll have to hope for an opening to come up during the season.