Aaron Rodgers Wiggles Back into Vikings Rumor Mill
In March and April, Aaron Rodgers galavanted in the Minnesota Vikings rumor mill as fans wondered if the franchise would truly sign him for a one-year experiment with 22-year-old quarterback J.J. McCarthy on the roster.
Not much may come of it, but Aaron Rodgers has taken a seat at the Vikings rumor mill table one more time.
The Vikings reportedly entertained the idea — a team must do its homework on the prospect of a future Hall of Famer under center — but opted against Rodgers, handing the baton to McCarthy, who is itching to lead.
So, the Rodgers rumor died down, but the former Green Bay Packer has not signed anywhere in the NFL as of May 21st.
Then, this week, Rodgers burst back into the Vikings’ rumor mill, courtesy of ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
ESPN Insider Says Aaron Rodgers Still Holding out Hope for Vikings
Fowler spoke with The Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday, claiming that Rodgers would still like to play for Minnesota despite the purple team’s very outward commitment to McCarthy.
“There’s some teams I’ve talked to, they are still kind of wondering, like, is he just waiting out the Vikings, you know? Because the Vikings would be an ideal scenario, one of the best play callers in the league in head coach Kevin O’Connell, nine dome games, you’re guaranteed nine dome games per year,” Fowler told Patrick.
“There’s some element of that, but I checked in with the Vikings, I still don’t expect that. They’re moving forward with J.J. McCarthy. So he really has no other option, other than Pittsburgh or retiring.”
The man still has his heart set on his former rival.
Bleacher Report‘s Paul Kasabian added context, “O’Connell previously told reporters in March that the team had a dialogue about Rodgers but is ultimately moving forward with McCarthy. By all accounts, that appears to still be the case. The New York Giants were also in the mix for Rodgers, but they pivoted to veterans Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson before adding Jaxson Dart in the draft.”
“So, as Fowler noted, it seems as though Rodgers’ options are the Pittsburgh Steelers or retirement. There’s clearly strong mutual interest here. Steelers owner and president Art Rooney II said the following on Steelers Nation Radio on April 25.”
The Vikings’ Ship Has Sailed
On the whole, a McCarthy injury — another one — might be required for the Vikings to take the plunge with Rodgers. Otherwise, Minnesota’s leaders have made it crystal clear in the last six weeks that McCarthy is their man.
In fact, if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed Rodgers today, it would seem like the ultimate McCarthy betrayal. The youngster has talked the talk and walked the walk as a QB1 all offseason; spontaneously signing Rodgers would be a slap in the face.
Which is probably why the Vikings won’t sign Rodgers. The ship has sailed.
The Steelers or Saints as Last Resorts
By this time on the calendar, NFL teams have their quarterback situations all figured out. They have to. Clubs can’t wait until the summer to formulate a plan at the most critical position in sports.
Pittsburgh, though, has patiently waited for Rodgers since March, and it may have a handshake agreement with Rodgers in place, using an undefined timetable to finalize an agreement. If not, Mike Tomlin’s team will showcase Mason Rudolph or rookie Will Howard in 2025 — underwhelming solutions for a storied franchise.
Meanwhile, Derek Carr retired about two weeks ago, leaving the Saints with three less-than-desirable options at quarterback: 26-year-old rookie Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener. Rodgers may not compete for a Super Bowl in New Orleans, but that franchise could probably put his tools to use.
Do Nothing and Wait Until an Injury?
Suppose Rodgers simply doesn’t sign in Pittsburgh, and his contractual saga lingers into the summer. He’d become the “next man up” for any team to sign if an injury rattled training camp or the preseason.
For instance, the aforementioned McCarthy tore his meniscus right away in the preseason last summer. If that happened to a starting quarterback around the sport, well, calling Rodgers about a one-year assignment might suddenly seem delectable.
He could basically hang out on the free-agent wire as a mercenary until needed.
Rodgers on the Delay in Signing Somewhere
A person or persons in Rodgers’ orbit is apparently battling cancer, causing his delay in locking in with the Steelers.
Rodgers recently told The Joe Rogan Experience, “I’ve figured it out the last year when I’ve been in the weeds with these people who are close to me that have cancer.”
“I mean, it’s a small percentage. Because the conversations have been had. There’s no more contemplation. I’m taking care of my people right now, and I’m taking care of my personal life responsibilities, and I’m keeping the conversation open as well.”
Rodgers will turn 42 in December.
Rodgers added, “I’m in a serious relationship. I have off-the-field stuff going on that requires my attention. I have personal commitments I have made. I have a couple of people in my inner, inner circle who are battling some difficult stuff. So, I have a lot of things that are taking my attention.”
If Rodgers signs with Pittsburgh, the Vikings will play against him in Ireland on September 28th.
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