The Minnesota Vikings are trying to open up some cap space after entering the offseason about $44 million over the 2026 spending cap. Moving on from a pair of Pro Bowl players could be in play.
Once the Vikings are cap compliant again, they are expected to pair/compete with JJ McCarthy or possibly look for another quarterback to replace him. He has been linked to a large number of quarterbacks, and that continued this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.
K Vincent Bonsignore California Post Said, "There was a lot of discussion in Indy about the Vikings being linked to Derek Carr." Bonsignore said he "would imagine that if (Carr) came back, it would be with a contender."
Carr is believed to be considering a return to the NFL after leaving the league due to a shoulder injury. Now possibly healthy again, Carr, 34, is eyeing a return to form.
The Vikings are looking to add experience to a QB room that features the 23-year-old McCarthy, as well as soon-to-be 25-year-old former undrafted free agent, Max Broesmer. Carr, who has 11 seasons of experience, will add a vital element to the Vikings.
If Carr comes out of retirement, the assumption is that the Saints will attempt to trade him. Still, with Carr having a $36.6 million cap hit in 2026, coming out of retirement could force the Saints to release him. After all, New Orleans is already moving forward with Tyler Shaw as their potential franchise quarterback. They are not returning to Carr now.
Thus, there is a scenario in which Carr could hit the open market. If so, he will have a chance to choose his next NFL team.
RELATED: The 6 best Derek Carr landing spots as the QB approaches his NFL return
