An initial report claiming the Vikings aren't "pursuing" quarterback Aaron Rodgers proved misleading. Minnesota could check back in with Rodgers depending on how 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy looks during springtime workouts coming off the full meniscus repair that cost him his rookie season.
In a piece published Friday morning, Vikings insider Alec Lewis of The Athletic expanded on why head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings regime have yet to completely rule out possibly signing Rodgers before training camp practices get underway.
"O’Connell and Rodgers have known each other for over a decade," Lewis explained. "Both played quarterback in college on the West Coast in the early 2000s. They met and have stayed connected over the years. Once O’Connell learned of Rodgers’ interest, executives and coaches evaluated Rodgers’ film from the 2024 season late into the night. ...Many within the building supported the idea of adding Rodgers, thinking he could still operate at a high level, especially in the pocket. Some saw a roster built to win for 2025 and McCarthy, a second-year player emerging from a knee injury with only one preseason game under his belt, as a less-than-certain option."
Throughout March, numerous reports have indicated the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to sign Rodgers as soon as possible. However, he seemingly is willing to wait to learn if a Vikings team that went 14-3 in 2024 before Sam Darnold endured a pair of nightmare outings will decide that the future Hall of Famer is a better option for the 2025 campaign than the unproven McCarthy.
"The Vikings are looking for a big spring and summer from McCarthy," Lewis added. "Offseason workouts begin April 7, and he will have the opportunity to show the Vikings what they hope to see. His physical condition matters. His command of O’Connell’s offense is important, too. ...Until Rodgers signs with a team or retires, the prospect of him in Minnesota cannot be ruled out. McCarthy could suffer a setback with his knee, or the Vikings could come to the realization that he needs more development time."
As much as O’Connell and Co. may believe McCarthy will eventually be capable of guiding the club to a Super Bowl, the Vikings are a win-now team with veteran players who may view Rodgers as the organization's best option for 2025 assuming he fully recovers from the numerous physical setbacks he dealt with during what became his final season with the New York Jets.
In short, those thinking the Vikings are "out" on Rodgers are mistaken. There's no reason for Minnesota to rush a final QB1 decision for next season, as meaningful practices are still months down the road.
