The New York Giants were recently the heavy odds-on betting favorites to land free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but two teams have cut the line in pursuit of the four-time MVP.
The Pittsburgh Steelers robbed the Giants' of their edge after entering the Rodgers sweepstakes following Justin Fields' departure for the New York Jets. But while the Giants and Steelers both now view Rodgers as their top option in free agency, each team is waiting on Minnesota to make its priorities clear.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on Friday, March 14, that the Vikings are in the driver's seat to land Rodgers, and that he is holding off on his final decision until Minnesota decides if it wants to add the veteran to its quarterback room alongside J.J. McCarthy.
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
"Here's what you need to know. The Vikings are having discussions about what they want to do at quarterback and if they want Rodgers," Russini wrote in an X post. "Rodgers is giving them time and waiting to hear from Minnesota. The Vikings have yet to make a decision. We all wait."
The pitch for Rodgers heading to Minnesota on a short-term deal is pretty simple. He's played in five NFC title games and won a Super Bowl, while McCarthy has yet to take a regular season snap as an NFL player.
The Vikings have, at least on paper, a complete and elite roster that won 14 games last season with Sam Darnold under center. McCarthy could end up being great, but for all intents and purposes, 2025 is essentially his rookie campaign -- and it's expecting a lot to believe a first-time signal caller can lead a team all the way to a ring.
It is unclear if Minnesota actually will pull the trigger on Rodgers. However, the Vikings' involvement in the conversation may well mean the Giants are currently the QB's third choice, as the Steelers can offer Rodgers a better chance to compete at a playoff level in 2025 than the Giants based on their respective rosters.
The silver lining for New York is that it holds the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft and may get the chance to select either Cam Ward of Miami or Shedeur Sanders of Colorado.
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 7:09 PM.