When it comes potential landing spots for future Hall of Fame quarterback (and Jets castoff) Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers make a lot more sense than the Giants — if he indeed wants a win-now situation.
So, too, do the Vikings.
And Rodgers wants Minnesota, according to The Athletic. The only question: Do the Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell want him?
As the Rodgers waiting game continues for the Steelers and Giants, The Athletic on Saturday reported these details regarding Rodgers perhaps winding up in Minnesota, which just lost Sam Darnold to Seattle:
Rodgers is hoping to sign with the Vikings, who went 14-3 in 2024 before suffering a first-round playoff defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, the Vikings have been strongly weighing the possibility of pursuing Rodgers as a replacement for 2024 starter Sam Darnold, who signed a three-year, $100 million free-agent deal Wednesday with the Seattle Seahawks.
Rodgers, in the wake of his release by the New York Jets, is seeking an annual salary in the same general range as Darnold’s — though that’s not expected to be a major stumbling block. O’Connell, the reigning NFL coach of the year, must decide whether he’s committed to bringing in the future first-ballot Hall of Famer, while considering the effect such a move could have on the growth of second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th pick in the 2024 draft.
To be sure, pursuing Rodgers would be an organizational decision, but O’Connell is the person with the most on the line, and it will only happen if he’s comfortable with the scenario.
OK, what if if the Vikings ultimately decide to not sign Rodgers?
Well, The Athletic reported it is “possible that Rodgers will turn down both the Steelers (a 2024 playoff team) and Giants and instead opt for retirement.” In the meantime, he has put the Steelers and Giants “on hold while he waits for clarity regarding the Vikings’ situation.”
If Rodgers heads to Minnesota, where would that leave the Giants?
Well, they initially hoped to trade for Matthew Stafford, but he remained with the Rams. Then Rodgers became Plan B.
As the Giants waited on Rodgers this week, they hosted Joe Flacco (Thursday) and Russell Wilson (Friday) on free agent visits. Wilson also visited the Browns, on Thursday. So he could land there.
If that happens, and the Giants sign Flacco, they’d surely draft a quarterback at No. 3 (or higher) on April 24.
But maybe the Titans really want Cam Ward and will refuse to trade down from No. 1. That could leave Shedeur Sanders for the Giants at No. 3, since Wilson joining the Browns might result in them passing on Sanders.
If the Giants do sign Rodgers or Wilson, they could certainly pass on a quarterback high in Round 1 this year. But if they settle for Flacco — who would be, at best, their fourth choice — it’s virtually impossible to imagine them passing on Sanders at No. 3, presuming he’s there.
Darryl Slater may be reached atdslater@njadvancemedia.com.