Insider Reveals Why Aaron Rodgers Didn’t Join Vikings
For about two weeks, Minnesota Vikings fans debated and wondered where former rival Aaron Rodgers would become the team’s quarterback in 2025.
Insider Reveals Why Aaron Rodgers Didn’t Join Vikings
The rumors all but died last week, and the Vikings appeared poised to roll with J.J. McCarthy in 2025, the man drafted with the 10th overall pick 11 months ago.
And thanks to FOX Sports‘ Jordan Schultz, there’s a little clarity on why Rodgers didn’t turn purple.
Insider Says Vikings Simply Loved J.J. McCarthy
Schultz spoke on the The Gojo and Golic show late last week and told the panel, “Rodgers was no doubt intrigued by Minnesota. At the same time, I strongly believe and have believed that Kevin O’Connell and that entire organization have been waiting for the opportunity to make J.J. McCarthy the guy.”
“They thought he could’ve been the guy Year 1. He has two knee surgeries, obviously Sam Darnold ends up having a terrific season. We know that story. They believe he has all the tools. He’s 22 years old. He’s very raw. He’s green. But he is healthy. He’s gained some weight.”
Most Vikings fans breathed a sigh of relief when the Rodgers rumors fizzled because adding him to the roster would’ve invoked the past. McCarthy represents the future.
“I think Minnesota has looked at Aaron Rodgers and said, ‘You know what, we are still in a good spot regardless of if you come or not.’ I don’t really believe Minnesota has ever said Aaron Rodgers is our guy for this year. I think they’ve wanted J.J. McCarthy to be the guy, and they believe he can be,’ Schultz added.
Unrelated to Schultz, a different reporter also seemed to nail the Rodgers saga on the head. KOA Colorado’s Benjamin Allbright tweeted on March 19th: “So the Rodgers situation as I’ve been told the entire time is basically that Aaron Rodgers has let it be known through back channels so he would love to play in Minnesota. Minnesota Vikings are committed to JJ McCarthy.
“McCarthy recovery has been a little bit slower than anticipated but not something that they view as a problem and they’re moving forward with the idea that JJ McCarthy is going to be the starting quarterback next year.”
To put it succinctly, Minnesota is ready to start the McCarthy era but wouldn’t table the Rodgers flirtation because, what if McCarthy encounters a setback?
“Yes, they sat down and did a due diligence on the what if of it all, but there is no plan and no intention to sign Aaron Rodgers,” Allbright added.
“At this point in time it’s smart not to say ‘we’re never going to do it’ because what if there’s some setback and they can revisit that later… but as it sits JJ McCarthy is the starter has always been the plan and is the plan going forward.”
What’s Next for Aaron Rodgers?
Rodgers’ 2025 employment is basically down to the Pittsburgh Steelers, hanging out for several months until a QB1 gets injured around the NFL, or retirement.
Jameis Winston joined the New York Giants last week, and that franchise was the other squad living in Rodgers’ rumor mill.
The Cleveland Browns, too, feel quarterback-less, but Kevin Stefanski and friends may draft Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders in 30 days and call it good.
J.J. McCarthy Still Has to Earn It in Minnesota
On Tuesday, Kay Adams questioned McCarthy in an interview about his reaction to the QB1 title after Rodgers smoke blew over last week.
He told her he had learned of no such title.
“They haven’t told me, and I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day. I never want that to be given to me. It’s such a privilege and an opportunity to give me that chance. I’m just gonna make the most of it every single day,” he told Adams.
The remark surprised listeners because, through their actions, Minnesota has very much handed the QB1 scepter to McCarthy. Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Daniel Jones joined new teams this offseason, and Minnesota bowed out of the Rodgers hoopla.
McCarthy has to seize the job on his own.
Rodgers Rumors Formally Dead
The grand takeaway, in addition to Minnesota’s exit from the Rodgers sweepstakes, is that folks don’t have to contemplate Rodgers in purple any longer.
His free agency gripped the Vikings’ fan base — divided it, even — for a week, as some preferred Rodgers-fueled nostalgia that would’ve called upon Brett Favre memories from 2009.
Others were ready to ride or die with McCarthy. And that’s what the Vikings front office and coaching staff prefer.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.