Derek Carr has made his position clear. He wants to return to the Las Vegas Raiders organization for a one day contract and formally retire with the franchise he spent nine seasons leading. The statement came directly from Carr during an appearance on the “Home Grown” podcast, where he said, “I would love to sign a one day contract. I would love to do that with the Raiders.”
Carr also acknowledged that nothing is close to finalized. “We haven’t gotten to that point yet,” he added, noting that the mechanics are not straightforward because he technically remains under contract with the New Orleans Saints. He has not filed his official retirement papers with the league. “I just don’t know how all that stuff works with me being under contract with the Saints,” Carr explained.
Carr announced his decision to step away from football in May 2025 after suffering a labral tear and “significant degenerative changes” in his right shoulder. Speaking to reporters shortly after the announcement, he said, “I didn’t want to have surgery and just sit there and take the Saints money. I wouldn’t have been able to play if I had the surgery.”
The quarterback’s tenure with the Raiders ended in 2023 following a breakdown in his relationship with then head coach Josh McDaniels. He was released, joined the Saints and played two seasons before the injury pushed him toward retirement.
Carr is still the Raiders franchise leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns and starts. That is why the one day contract holds symbolic value for him and for Raiders fans. However, there is no confirmation from the Raiders that they have initiated discussions about the ceremonial signing.
Around the league, analysts have pointed out that one day retirements usually require the player to be fully separated from other contract obligations. Because Carr has not filed retirement paperwork and is technically still tied to the Saints, the timeline for any ceremony remains uncertain.
The Raiders have not publicly responded to Carr’s comments, and no formal steps have been taken on either side. The situation remains open ended until Carr’s contract status is resolved.
