Throughout the 2026 offseason, rumors have suggested that Minnesota is considering pursuing Rodgers as a short-term QB1, allowing McCarthy to develop behind him. However, a different veteran quarterback may soon enter the picture and emerge as a legitimate alternative for the Vikings.

Derek Carr retired prior to the 2025 NFL season, but the former Raiders and Saints quarterback has not ruled out an NFL return in 2026 if the right situation presents itself.

Derek Carr eyes NFL return in 2026: Which teams could be interested?

Earlier during the 2025 season, Carr publicly stated that he would be open to returning to the league. He revealed that the shoulder injury that led to his retirement has fully healed and that he feels physically ready to play again.

On Sunday, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo reported that Carr’s comeback could come sooner than many expected. According to their report, the veteran quarterback is targeting a return for the 2026 season, and several teams have already inquired about the possibility of signing him.

Interest in Carr isn’t new. During the 2025 season, the Cincinnati Bengals reportedly reached out to gauge his availability after Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury. Now, heading into 2026, multiple teams—including the Vikings—are believed to be searching for an experienced quarterback, either to provide competition or to step in as a potential QB1.

If Carr decides to unretire, interested teams would need to negotiate with the New Orleans Saints, who still hold his rights. While New Orleans appears committed to Tyler Shough, acquiring assets in return for Carr could help the Saints continue rebuilding their roster rather than losing the veteran for nothing.

Are the Vikings a real landing spot for Derek Carr?

As previously noted, Minnesota is actively exploring veteran quarterback options for 2026. Although the organization remains confident in J.J. McCarthy’s long-term potential, his recurring injury issues have pushed the Vikings to consider a reliable contingency plan.

If Minnesota is unable to land Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr could become a realistic option. The veteran quarterback is reportedly interested in joining a team with a competitive roster, and despite ongoing concerns along the offensive line, the opportunity to throw to Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Jordan Addison would make the Vikings an appealing destination.

These reports are intended not only for franchises to improve certain aspects, but also for other NFL players to know which are the teams with the best services for them as players and for their families.

For analysts, the report cards show that some teams have no interest in improving the treatment of players, much less their facilities.

Which team had the best NFL report card in 2023?

Minnesota Vikings were the only NFL team graded A in all thecategories, apparently the players are happy in Minnesota and the overall treatment they have from the franchise.

Another team that had a good review were the Dolphins with seven “A” grades and only one C+ in the treatment of families category.

Aside from the Dolphins and Vikings, the New York Giants are another “happy place” according to their players as they were well graded with six “B” grades and two “A” grades.

The Vikings, surprisingly, were the No. 1 team in the NFC North Divisionasthis time the Packers couldn’t dominate the division. The Vikings closed the regular season with a record of 13-4-0.

The Giants are underdogs but they are willing to do anything to advance further in the postseason. The Giants narrowly reached the playoffs with a record of 9-7-1 overall.

Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants: Kick-Off Time

Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants play for the Wild Card round of the 2022-2023 NFL Playoffs today, January 15 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Australia: 8:30 AM (AEDT) January 15
Canada: 4:30 PM (EST)
China: 5:30 AM (AEDT) January 15
Germany: 10:30 PM (CET)
Ireland: 9:30 PM (GMT)
Mexico: 3:30 PM (CST)
US: 4:30 PM (ET)
UK: 9:30 PM (GMT)

Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants: TV Channel and Live Streaming

The NFL Playoffs are available on Television, Radio and Live Streaming on the Internet, this Wild Card round matchup and other games will be broadcast in the United States by FuboTV (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US are FOX, Fox Deportes (ESPAÑOL). Don’t forget to download the app to watch the game on your smartphone.

If you would like to watch NFL games in China, Ireland, Germany, UK, Mexico and Australia, your best option is NFL Game Pass. That’s the only option that offers all the 272 games during the 18-week period.

There are other limited options that offer few NFL games per week: China (NFL On Tencent), Germany (Ran.de), Ireland (Sky Sports), UK (Sky Sports), Australia (Foxtel), Mexico (ESPN, FOX)

Minnesota Vikings vs New York Giants: Predictions And Odds

Minnesota Vikings are favorites at home with -3 spread and 1.62 moneyline that will pay $162 bucks for a $100 bet on BetMGM, they are big favorites to win. New York Giants are underdogs at +3 ATS and 2.35 moneyline. The totals are offered at 48 points. The best pick for this NFL WILD CARD game is: Minnesota Vikings -3.

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* Odds via BetMGM

How to get and watch NFL RedZone

The best way to watch all the touchdowns at the same time is with NFL RedZone and the best thing is that channel is available on most satellite services and live streaming services. In the United States and Canada, football fans can get the NFLRedZone Channel to multicast all the sunday games by sign up with FuboTV (7-day free trial).

Another defensive line that suffered last week was that of the Vikings, they lost an ‘easy’ game against the Detroit Lions, although that does not imply much in their playoff picture.

The weaker defensive lines are allowing over 25.5+ points per game, basically those lines are full of irreparable holes.

What are the worst defensive lines entering Week 15?

1. Seattle Seahawks: They are losing games because the defensive line is allowing an average of 25.7 points per game and 378.7 yards per game as well.

2. Detroit Lions: Even though they won against a big favorite in Week 14 the Lions still have a ton of defensive issues at 26.7 PPG and 403.2 yards per game.

3. Minnesota Vikings: As division leaders they are strong, but playing defense things are different for the Vikings, they are allowing 403.7 yards per game and 24.1 PPG.

4. Atlanta Falcons: They are ranked as the thirddefensive line that allows more yards per game at 380.6 yards, another negative side of the Falcons’ defense is their 24 PPG ratio.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Week 14 was good for them with a win against the Dolphins, but the Chargers have a weak defensive line that allows 359.9 yards per game and 25.1 PPG.

***Bears and Houston were excluded since they are eliminated from the playoffs race.

Losing in a big game is the worst thing that can happen to an NFL team, especially after a winning season and playing as a favorite. That was what the New England Patriots suffered twice against the New York Giants, a total humiliation.

But losers also have a special place in history since losing a Super Bowl teaches teams about offensive and defensive line issues and how they can fix them next season.

What are the NFL teams close to the 0-5 Super Bowl record?

Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings lost four times in a Super Bowl, the Vikings lost for the first time in 1970 against the Chiefs and another three times in 1973, 1974 and 1976. The case of the Bills is worse, they have the longest losing streak with four losses from 1990 to 1993.

Another team that is close to the 0-5 record is the Cincinnati Bengals at 0-3, they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, and the Bengals and Bills are likely to make it to the 2023 Super Bowl as they have good rosters.