Reason Derek Carr passed on the Bengals revealed
Derek Carr had an opportunity to potentially play for the Cincinnati Bengals but turned it down. Now we have a better understanding of the reason why he made his choice.
The Bengals last week acquired Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati spoke with Carr prior to trading for Flacco to see if they could get him to come out of retirement and play for them.
David Carr, who is Derek’s older brother, spoke with ABC 30 in Fresno, Calif., to discuss the situation. He told Stephen Hicks that Derek didn’t want to go to a situation where there is an entrenched quarterback, such as Joe Burrow, waiting.
“Derek would like to be in a situation that obviously is a team that really needs a guy to come in and take em the long haul. There’s a feeling that maybe Joe Burrow might come back at some point this year — at least try to come back. I don’t know if Derek would feel comfortable being in a situation where say he was to enter in a team situation where the quarterback was hurt and he drove them all the way in, they got into the playoffs, and then he had to go sit on the sidelines,” David said.
“So I don’t think Derek would be interested in that scenario.”
The Bengals interest in Derek Carr is something his brother David hinted at with us last week.
"Derek will definitely be ready" -->https://t.co/AlO2IBp9bZ @ABC30 https://t.co/5nixLUa4Zl pic.twitter.com/JrjpbJzF9Q — Stephen Hicks (@StephenABC30) October 15, 2025
Derek Carr retired surprisingly this offseason due to a shoulder injury that would have required surgery. He retired as a member of the New Orleans Saints, so any decision by him to come out of retirement would have had to be negotiated with New Orleans.
Carr finished with 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions in 10 games last season. He has said he is happy in retirement, though he also recently noted that he has stayed in shape and is not totally ruling out a comeback. There is talk that Burrow could return from his turf toe injury in December.
Colts HC Shane Steichen to make final decision on QB situation behind Daniel Jones
The Indianapolis Colts are rolling at 5-1, but quarterback depth has become a major storyline heading into Week 7. With Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, head coach Shane Steichen will decide who backs up Daniel Jones — either rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Brett Rypien.
The Athletic’s James Boyd took to X (formerly known as Twitter), reporting that a team source confirmed Steichen will make the call after evaluating both options in practice this week.
“Source said #Colts HC Shane Steichen will have the final say of who is QB2 between Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien.
We can also ask Steichen before practice tomorrow (and again Friday after Rypien has practiced the whole week).”
Leonard, a sixth-round rookie from Notre Dame, has been with the Colts all season and has taken most backup reps since Richardson’s eye injury. Meanwhile, Rypien signed to the practice squad on October 14 and brings veteran experience from stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.
The decision carries weight. Jones has completely revived his career under Steichen, leading the AFC’s top scoring offense. But should he miss time, the Colts must trust the next man up to keep their momentum going.
Steichen’s evaluation extends beyond game readiness — it’s also about locker room confidence and long-term continuity. Coaches and teammates alike have praised both quarterbacks for their preparation, making the final decision a reflection of who best aligns with the Colts’ offensive identity.
Leonard offers upside and youth, while Rypien brings system familiarity and game experience. The choice by the Colts coach will reveal whether he values development or veteran security as the team pushes for a playoff run.
Steichen is expected to speak before and after practice later this week, with a final depth chart decision coming no later than Friday. Until then, the quarterback room remains under review.
