If Aaron Rodgers has been dragging out his free agency in hopes that the Minnesota Vikings will extend him an offer, the star quarterback should now be able to put a stop to the waiting game.
The Vikings are not interested in signing Rodgers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported on Wednesday. Minnesota is planning to move forward with JJ McCarthy as their starting quarterback.
Pelissero also reports that the Vikings have received multiple trade inquiries about McCarthy, and they have told teams that the former Michigan star is not available.
Aaron Rodgers in Jets gear
Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) on the field after the game against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The #Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on J.J. McCarthy, telling other teams they’re moving forward with him as their quarterback, sources say.
The team plans to add a veteran. But they’re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time. McCarthy now enters the offseason as… pic.twitter.com/oPf6DIvQpj
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2025
The Vikings traded up a spot to draft McCarthy with the 10th overall pick last year. McCarthy then suffered a torn meniscus during the preseason, so he had no real chance to compete with Sam Darnold for the starting job. Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason.
Minnesota’s decision to not bring Darnold back was a good indication that they believe McCarthy is ready to start. Still, Rodgers had reportedly been holding out hope that the Vikings would want him to be their starter in 2025.
With the Vikings now out of the picture, Rodgers might finally be ready to make his decision. He is said to have offers from both the New York Giants or Pittsburgh Steelers, though one veteran player has not exactly gone out of his way to make the former MVP feel welcome.