With quarterback Jaxson Dart sidelined for the remainder of the NFL season because of a knee injury, the New York Giants could explore adding another quarterback through a trade or free agency.
Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has emerged as one name linked to the Giants. Carr retired in 2025 after spending 11 seasons in the NFL.
On Wednesday, Carr responded to the speculation in a post on X.
An X account had attracted widespread attention after sharing a fabricated image of Carr wearing a Giants jersey. The post asked, “SHOULD THE NEW YORK #GIANTS GET DEREK CARR TO COME OUT OF RETIREMENT AND PLAY QUARTERBACK FOR THEM THIS SEASON…?”
Carr replied with a joke of his own: “Beautiful picture but I’m too busy trying to find a level 40 crew to join.”
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His comment referred to NBA 2K27, where a “level 40 crew” represents the highest tier in the game’s multiplayer system. Reaching that level requires a significant investment of time in the basketball video game.
Put simply, Carr suggested that he is more focused on playing video games than returning to the NFL to help the Giants.
Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler who spent nine of his 11 seasons with the Raiders, was almost certainly speaking tongue-in-cheek. Still, his response is notable given reports earlier this year that he was seriously weighing a return to professional football.
That may no longer be under consideration. It is also possible Carr simply has no interest in joining the Giants.