The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly been Aaron Rodgers’ top choice since he became a free agent, but the interest is not mutual. And it would reportedly take a lot for that to change.
Rodgers has an offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers to become their new starting quarterback, but he has yet to make a decision. There has been talk that the star quarterback could wait months to sign with a new team, as he might be waiting to see whether the Vikings remain fully committed to JJ McCarthy as their 2025 starter.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, McCarthy would have to really struggle during spring workouts in order for the Vikings to consider signing Rodgers.
“McCarthy would have to demonstrate overwhelming evidence this spring that he will not be ready to play this season, either because of an injury or a complete reversal of the skills and aptitude he demonstrated during his short time in training camp last summer,” Seifert wrote in a column that was published on Wednesday. “Consider Rodgers a break-the-glass option in case of an emergency. Otherwise, the Vikings are committed to their plan of getting McCarthy onto the field for the 2025 season.”
McCarthy is coming off a torn meniscus that cost him his entire rookie season. The former Michigan star recently confirmed that the Vikings have given him no assurances he will be the team’s starter at the beginning of 2025.
There is certainly a chance Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell will decide at some point that McCarthy is not quite ready to start. The big question is when that decision would be made. Is Rodgers willing to pass on the Steelers altogether to keep his slim hopes of playing in Minnesota alive?
Rodgers had a throwing session over the weekend with a notable wide receiver, so perhaps he is finally nearing a decision. We wouldn’t count on it, though.
