Aaron Rodgers Theory Remains Alive for Vikings
Why hasn’t Aaron Rodgers signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers or the New York Giants yet?
Aaron Rodgers Theory Remains Alive for Vikings
That’s the question asked by NFL fans through Day No. 3 of free agency, and according to ESPN, the Minnesota Vikings might be holding up the process.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano said about the Rodgers sweepstakes on Wednesday, “I think part of it is the slim, non-zero chance that Minnesota might still be available. They want a veteran to sort of play until J.J. McCarthy is ready, whether that be health or development wise.”
“Rodgers, probably not that guy, cause if you sign him, he’s gonna play as long as he’s healthy. So it would represent a significant shift in Minnesota’s plans to do that. I don’t think they’re going to, but I don’t think the chance is absolutely zero.”
Vikings 2024 QB1 Sam Darnold recently signed with the Seattle Seahawks, Daniel Jones bolted for the Indianapolis Colts, and Nick Mullens went to the Jacksonville Jaguars. That carousel spin resulted in further Rodgers-to-Vikings rumors. Rodgers is evidently a Plan B or C for Minnesota, according to some.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, who has a sturdy reputation and does not pedal clickbait, tweeted Saturday morning: “Last night appears to have been the start of some QB chaos. If Daniel Jones doesn’t remain with the Vikings, that will make it even more chaotic, as Aaron Rodgers could be in play in Minnesota, which would then force the Giants to turn to Plan C. Lots to play out next week.”
Here’s Rodgers’ recent quarterback efficiency:
Aaron Rodgers,
EPA+CPOE,
NFL Ranking:
2020 = 1st
2021 = 1st
2022 = 20th
2023 = n/a
2024 = 22nd
Vikings fans would merely hope that Rodgers returned to 2021 form if the rumors came to fruition. Otherwise, the former Green Bay Packer will turn 42 in December and is no longer the nostalgic version of himself.
The fit would also be strange because of J.J. McCarthy’s presence on the roster. McCarthy tore his meniscus last summer after Minnesota drafted him in Round 1, and most onlookers expect him to ascend to his rightful QB1 throne in 2025. Adding Rodgers, who is about 20 years older than McCarthy, would throw a wrench into McCarthy’s climb to QB1.
If Minnesota had no McCarthy attached to the roster for the future, perhaps exploring Rodgers for a year could make sense. However, that’s not the reality, and adding Rodgers might turn the Twin Cities into a circus, potentially detrimental to McCarthy’s development.
These veteran quarterbacks are available for QB2 duty if Rodgers does not join the Vikings:
- Joe Flacco
- Taylor Heinicke
- Mac Jones
- Drew Lock
- Gardner Minshew
- Cooper Rush
- Carson Wentz
- Russell Wilson
- Jameis Winston
Most Rodgers-to-Vikings theories exist because of Rodgers’ parallel to Brett Favre’s career arc. Favre played for the Packers for 16 seasons, went to the Jets after that, and later became a Viking. In theory, Rodgers could follow the same path.
No matter what, Rodgers should sign somewhere in the next day or two.
And ESPN won’t rule as the Vikings as a dance partner.
One Viking Is on Borrowed Time
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.
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