The New York Jets need a quarterback, and they are not set up to find a clear-cut solution in the NFL draft.

Thus, they will be linked to just about any veteran quarterback who may be available in the 2026 offseason.

The popular names include Kyler Murray, Malik Willis, Mac Jones, Kirk Cousins, Carson Wentz, and Jacoby Brissett, among others. However, a surprising name has recently entered the mix: Derek Carr.

On the morning of Super Bowl LX, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that “teams are serious” about luring Carr, who announced his retirement last May, back to the NFL. Garafolo stated that the 34-year-old “has, and will continue to, receive inquiries from QB-needy clubs about a return in 2026.”

It is reasonable to speculate that the Jets may have been one of the teams that inquired, although no substantiated reports have surfaced indicating that New York has shown interest.

However, a segment from WFAN’s “Evan & Tiki” shed light on some compelling breadcrumbs that have been left by the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback.

The New York-based radio show played snippets from an episode of Carr’s podcast “Home Grown”, which he hosts with his brother David, that aired earlier in 2026, in which Carr praises Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson and head coach Aaron Glenn.

“They have a good head coach (Glenn), and they got Garrett Wilson,” Carr said of the Jets. “Garrett wants the ball, man. He just wants the ball.”

In another clip shared by “Evan & Tiki”, Carr described his friendly relationship with Glenn and his appreciation for Jets fans.

“I love Aaron Glenn. He’s a good friend. Love Aaron Glenn. I talk to him whenever it’s viable. … I also love Jet fans.”

On top of all this, the Jets recently hired Bill Musgrave as their quarterbacks coach, who has direct ties to Carr. Musgrave was Carr’s offensive coordinator with the Oakland Raiders from 2015-16, Carr’s second and third NFL seasons. Under Musgrave, Carr made back-to-back Pro Bowls, including a 2016 season that saw him earn a still-standing career-high 12 wins.

Carr retired last May, citing longstanding shoulder pain that stemmed from a labral tear, as well as significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.

Nothing substantiated has been reported to date about Carr’s future, aside from the initial NFL Network report that he has received inquiries from NFL teams. Any talk linking him to the Jets is merely speculation at this point in time.

It sure seems like there’s smoke here, though. Will there be fire?

The New Orleans Saints retain Carr’s rights, so if he returns, he will have to be acquired by trade.