The Miami Dolphins are expected to move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this offseason, with multiple reports that the team is trying to find a trading partner for the 2023 passing-yardage leader. If Miami does not land a trade for the former Pro Bowl selection, they likely will look to release him as a post-June 1 cut, eating the remaining guarantees and signing-bonus accounting against the salary cap over two seasons. With Tagovailoa likely on his way out of Miami, the Dolphins may only have second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers on their roster at the start of the new league year in March.
Could they be in the market for a veteran to bridge the team to their next drafted “franchise” quarterback? And could that veteran be a four-time Pro Bowl selection who may be looking to come out of retirement?
Last May, quarterback Derek Carr suddenly retired. Needing surgery and likely to miss the 2025 season anyway, Carr and the Saints worked out a deal that would free up $30 million in guaranteed money still owed to him by the Saints, but would allow Carr to keep his original signing bonus without New Orleans looking to recoup that money.
Fast forward to the 2026 offseason, and it seems like Carr may be ready to return to the NFL. According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo, Carr could be headed toward a return. Around the NFL writer Nick Shook adds, “momentum appears to be building toward a possible return to the NFL for the four-time Pro Bowler,” and has Miami as a possible landing spot:
The Dolphins are expected to move on from Tua Tagovailoa this offseason and might only have Quinn Ewers, heading into his second pro season, as their best remaining option. With a roster that is talented enough to contend and includes stars like De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins only need a proven starter to complete the majority of their offensive picture. They’d find that in Carr, who would need to be convinced of new head coach Jeff Hafley’s vision but could find a welcome home in warm and sunny Miami.
With a projected deficit of $16 million entering 2026, Miami would likely need to create some cap space in order to make this possible. If they want Carr badly enough, though, they’ll find a way to make it work.
Selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Carr started his career with the then Oakland Raiders, moving with the team to Las Vegas in 2020. He joined the Saints in 2023, playing two seasons before retiring. In his 11-year career, Carr threw for 41,245 yards on a 65.1 percent completion rate with 257 touchdowns and 112 interceptions. He has a 92.8 career passer rating. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022.
If Miami is looking for a short-term starting quarterback who provides stability and can ultimately serve as a mentor to a younger player – either Ewers or a drafted passer in 2026 or 2027 – Carr could be the perfect fit.
What do you think of the idea of Miami pursuing Carr this offseason?
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