Spiraling AFC Team Got Turned Down by Former Raiders QB: Report
There have been a lot of notable injuries to start this season around the NFL, and while some teams have been able to overcome them, other teams are falling apart. The Cincinnati Bengals knew they wouldn’t be able to fully replace Joe Burrow once he went down, but they were hoping that Jake Browning would at least keep them afloat.
That hasn’t been the case as the Bengals are now 2-4. They traded for Joe Flacco to try to give them a boost, but they lost again in Week 6. However, Flacco wasn’t their first choice. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, one of the quarterbacks the Bengals reached out to was former Las Vegas Raiders Pro Bowler Derek Carr.
Carr retired earlier in the offseason, but he is only 34. The main reason he walked away from football was due to a shoulder injury he didn’t want to undergo surgery on. That said, after seeing how bad the New Orleans Saints are this season, that may have played a factor in why he retired.
Carr is still under contract with the Saints, but it’s hard to imagine they’d demand a huge return in a trade due to the fact that he did them a solid in the offseason by retiring when he could’ve just gotten surgery and been paid a lot of money just to not play. Clearly, Carr turned down the Bengals, but it is interesting that teams think he could be willing to return.
Why Wouldn’t Carr Want to Sign With Bengals?
The most logical reason why Carr didn’t show interest in going to Cincinnati is likely because he’s still not 100%. He didn’t retire for no reason. His shoulder isn’t right, and it likely still needs time to heal.
Carr’s a tough player, so he might be able to play through it, but it could make more sense for him to come back next season when he’s had more time to get his body right. Plus, the Bengals‘ offensive line is a mess. He doesn’t want to come out of retirement just to get hit every play.
Throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins every play would be appealing, but not enough for him to risk getting hurt again.
Could Carr Return in the Future?
Carr is still young enough to play football for at least a few more years. He even said last month that he’s staying ready.
“I’m still just trying to get that back right from getting the shot and doing the rehab and all that,” Carr said on “The Dan Patrick Show” in September. “So I’m still doing those things. And so I always felt like, even though I’m done, if God wanted me to do it, I’ve got to be ready. I don’t want to go out there and not be ready, you know. So I’ll be ready, but I’m not coming back. Like, right now, today, I’m not coming back.”
Perhaps a better opportunity could appeal to Carr, but it sounds like he’s still trying to get his shoulder right. It wouldn’t be a surprise if a team is able to get him to come out of retirement next season.
BREAKING NEWS: Matt LaFleur’s Historic Contract Secures His Future with the Packers
In a groundbreaking move that is sending shockwaves through the NFL, the Green Bay Packers have announced an unprecedented contract for their star head coach, Matt LaFleur. Team owner Mark Murphy revealed that LaFleur, one of the league’s most resilient and innovative coaches, has signed a deal that will keep him with the Packers for life—an historic commitment that sets a new standard in the NFL. This contract is about more than football; it’s about cementing the bond between LaFleur and the city of Green Bay for generations to come.
“THIS ISN’T JUST A CONTRACT; IT’S A LEGACY. MATT LAFLEUR ISN’T JUST THE FUTURE OF THE PACKERS—HE IS GREEN BAY. FROM THE MOMENT HE JOINED THE TEAM, HE BECAME OUR IDENTITY, OUR HEART. THIS IS MORE THAN FOOTBALL—IT’S ABOUT HONORING A CONNECTION BETWEEN COACH AND CITY THAT WILL LAST FOREVER,” said Murphy in a statement that has resonated deeply with both fans and players across the league.
LaFleur, who became the Packers' head coach in 2019, has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking coaches in the NFL. Known for his offensive mind, leadership, and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving league, LaFleur has already proven time and time again that he is a game-changer. His ability to lead the team, make critical decisions, and develop young talent has made him the cornerstone of the Packers’ future and one of the league's most respected coaches.
This deal, however, represents more than just a financial commitment to LaFleur’s coaching performance. It’s a bold statement that the Packers are fully invested in their future and their head coach. LaFleur’s deep connection to Green Bay, his passion for the game, and his vision for the team have made him a beloved figure in the city, and the Packers are making it clear that he is the foundation upon which they will continue to build their championship hopes.
LaFleur’s journey with the Packers has been nothing short of spectacular. From his early days as an offensive coordinator to leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and NFC Championship games, LaFleur has proven that he is a coach who can handle the pressure and lead his team to success. His leadership and ability to develop future stars have earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, players, and fans alike.
With this new contract, LaFleur will continue to be the face of the Packers for the foreseeable future, guiding the team as they aim to compete at the highest level in the NFC. His leadership and success on the field have already made him a household name, and now, with this lifetime commitment, he will be remembered as one of the most significant figures in the franchise’s history.
As Murphy stated, “This is more than football.” This contract represents a partnership between a coach and a city, a bond that will endure long after LaFleur’s coaching career has ended. For the Packers and their passionate fanbase, this is just the beginning of a new era, one where Matt LaFleur will remain the symbol of the team’s strength, resilience, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
In an NFL where coaches often come and go, the Packers have ensured they will have one of the most reliable and innovative minds in the league for the long haul. With LaFleur leading the charge, the future in Green Bay has never looked brighter. This is not just a contract; this is a legacy, and it’s one that will be remembered for years to come.
