The Vikings Could Do the Funniest Thing Ever
When the Minnesota Vikings approach this offseason, they have a significant question to answer regarding the quarterback position. That’s a bit odd, considering they just spent a first-round draft pick on J.J. McCarthy last season. Still, Sam Darnold forced that conversation.
The Vikings Could Do the Funniest Thing Ever
After signing a one-year deal worth $10 million for this season, Darnold became arguably the most valuable contract in the sport. He led the Vikings to a 14-win season and helped propel them back into the playoffs. Now he’s in line for a payday, but where that comes from remains uncertain.
It’s possible that Minnesota loved him enough to give him the bag. That would be weird after stopping short of paying Kirk Cousins a boatload last offseason. They could also give him a substantial raise in the form of a franchise tag and even move him after doing so. If they opt for another veteran, though, there’s one name that would create a wild career parallel.
No, Daniel Jones beating the Vikings and then signing with them for a second season isn’t the suggestion here. Instead, what about Aaron Rodgers?
The former Green Bay Packers quarterback will be released by the New York Jets. He went to the Jets after spending the entirety of his career with Green Bay. If you’ve heard this story before, it’s because his predecessor, Brett Favre, did the exact same thing.
It seems odd to think that Rodgers could be a fit for the Vikings. He is an outspoken personality with plenty of quirks to work through. I also don’t anticipate Kwesi Adofo-Mensah using his offseason to bring back every living corpse who calls Rodgers a friend to fill out the offense. However, there is a level of sensibility to suggest that this would work.
Rodgers is at the end of his career. Like Cousins, he returned from a torn Achilles this season. He has a significantly higher ceiling, though, and he owns a Super Bowl ring. If he’s signing a short-term deal with someone, he will be targeting a team that is close and one that believes he is the difference in getting them over the top.
It should cost a substantial amount of money to bring Rodgers in. In fact, it’s almost entirely more likely that Darnold will get more of a payday. If head coach Kevin O’Connell believes he can team up with Rodgers to win a Super Bowl, then it would be hard not to think of him as a worthy addition for what amounts to a redshirt year for McCarthy.
It would be weird, but it was weird when Favre made the switch. Rodgers isn’t the same personality type, and the Vikings are in a different spot. Still, a veteran looking to make one last splash could take this team further than the NFC title game that Favre was able to accomplish.
I can’t realistically see it happening, but it’s also impossible to rule out altogether.
It’s Official on Brian Flores
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.