Whereas the Minnesota Vikings could also be Aaron Rodgers’ most well-liked vacation spot, it would not seem to be the franchise will aggressively pursue the quarterback.
On a Sunday episode of “SportsCenter,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicated the Vikings will not signal the 41-year-old, whom the New York Jets launched on March 12.
“Groups are ready this out, ready on Rodgers. The sensation is there’s not only a cash consideration right here. There’s match, there’s environment, all these issues. The Minnesota Vikings are type of on the periphery right here,” Fowler mentioned (h/t Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek). “Sources inform me there that it is potential they get entangled, however the feeling this week has been most likely not. They need to develop J.J. McCarthy.”
On Saturday, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Michael Silver and Alec Lewis reported Rodgers desires to signal with the Vikings, however head coach Kevin O’Connell will determine whether or not they do.
Assuming O’Connell tells Rodgers the Vikings are rolling with McCarthy, he may signal with the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants. Nonetheless, The Athletic’s report added he may additionally retire as an alternative. Regardless, anticipate Rodgers to maintain Pittsburgh and New York ready.
“I am informed from sources that Rodgers does have standing provides from the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants,” Fowler mentioned. “I checked with the supply from a kind of groups a couple of timeline. I acquired again a textual content with the Webster’s dictionary of the phrase enigma, and in order that’s sort of the sensation proper now.”
Avoiding Rodgers is smart for the Vikings. In the event that they signed him, it may stunt McCarthy’s development. The tenth total choose of the 2024 NFL Draft sat out his rookie season with a torn meniscus.
Extra importantly, the four-time MVP could also be declining. In 17 video games with the Jets in 2024, he tossed 28 landing passes and 11 interceptions and posted a below-average 48 QBR.
It would not appear Rodgers is the lacking piece for the Vikings, who went 14-3 in 2024. If 22-year-old McCarthy proves to be a star, Minnesota ought to stay within the thick of the Tremendous Bowl hunt in 2025.
