Justin Jefferson, Aaron Rodgers - New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It’s reportedly official. The Minnesota Vikings have decided to move on from 2024 successful rehabilitation project Sam Darnold, in order to officially start the transition process to No. 10 overall pick JJ McCarthy.
But the latest reports coming out of NFL insider circles, as free agency approaches on March 12, is that the Vikings are not confident enough in JJ’s development to just hand him the keys to Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
At the very least, it appears the Vikings want QB competition for McCarthy this summer, and during training camp. The type of bridge option that Sam Darnold represented for the Minnesota Vikings last summer/fall.
Minnesota Vikings eyeing Aaron Rodgers…?
Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold - New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
You know, the former QB1 throwaway types that would enter camp as more of an insurance option, in case their redshirt rookie isn’t ready to take the reins, for whatever reason. With Darnold now in a higher class, and thus out of the picture, O’Connell and Kwesi are expected to dive back into that same QB1 fixer-upper shelf.
According to Mike Garafolo (NFL Network), Minnesota’s top option remains former Giants QB Daniel Jones, something that others have reported too. But if Jones ends up elsewhere, Garafolo has the MN Vikings pivoting to another veteran QB you may have heard of. None other than infamous former Green Bay Packer… Aaron Rodgers.
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. https://t.co/TcyMTvVd9I
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2025
Had Kevin O’Connell & Co brought their 2024 MVP candidate back in 2025, he would have represented a much different bridge option than what Daniel Jones and other former high-end draft picks turned throwaway QBs. Aaron Rodgers would be more than that.
Can Rodgers still ball…?
Look, Rodgers is not the same quarterback he once was. There’s no doubting that. But a look at the numbers will make you wonder. Last season, the New York Jets team falling apart around him and media desperate to make him into public enemy No. 1, the 41-year-old quarterback threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Yes, his completion percentage and TD/INT ratio were at all-time lows… but remember how bad Darnold’s numbers were playing for that god forsaken franchise? Kevin O’Connell will decide who is under center for the purple in 2025, but if anyone can squeeze whatever talent is left out of A-Rodg… it’s the MN Vikings head coach.
Vintage Aaron Rodgers was on full display vs the Patriots
Here are his BEST plays in the Jets Home Opener:#JetUp pic.twitter.com/0py94KKzL9
— 𝙅𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙈𝙀𝘿𝙄𝘼🛫 (@NYJets_Media) September 20, 2024
Much like what would have been the case had Darnold stuck around, JJ McCarthy would enter camp as the clear No. 2 option, if the Vikings really are serious about a pursuit of their infamous former rival. Without a doubt, you’d have to think Rodgers would be delighted to get a call from the Minnesota Vikings.
Related: Former Vikings QB Feuding with New Team Yet Again…
There may be no other offense in the league more ready for a plug-and-play veteran QB than the Vikings. Is Aaron Rodgers that guy? The NFL world doesn’t know yet, but if the former 4X NFL MVP and Super Bowl winner still sees himself in that light, the MN Vikings have to be his top option this offseason.
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