AN Aaron Rodgers suitor seems to have an issue with their starting quarterback.
The team said no to Aaron Rodgers‘ services this offseason, but that decision could be reversed without any warning.
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Aaron Rodgers has been an NFL free agent this offseason, but is widely expected to sign with the Pittsburgh SteelersCredit: Reuters
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Rodgers has been denied by numerous teams in the offseason, including one that appears to have uncertainty over its starting quarterback in 2025Credit: Reuters
Rodgers has contemplated his future for the past few months, but is expected to eventually sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Multiple teams have turned down the four-time NFL MVP’s services, including a particular franchise that now might have doubts about their starting quarterback.
The Minnesota Vikings declined to reveal interest in Rodgers, but an NFL analyst has speculated that the team is not convinced that starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy can lead the offense in 2025.
“As much as they’re “sold” on JJ McCarthy, they weren’t that sold… so [the Vikings] have some doubt,” former NFL offensive lineman and CBS Sports analyst Ross Tucker told the podcast Purple Daily.
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Tucker referred to the fact that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell hasn’t placed the 2024 first-round pick McCarthy as the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart.
The analyst also referred to his belief that the Vikings wanted to keep 2024 starting quarterback Sam Darnold and the team’s attempt to retain former first-round pick and last season’s mid-season pickup Daniel Jones.
Minnesota saw Darnold, who is coming off a career year with the Vikings, ultimately sign a three-year, $100 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, and Jones join the Indianapolis Colts.
“No matter what the Vikings say about J.J. McCarthy… they wanted [Sam] Darnold back,” Tucker said.
“And then when they weren’t going to get Darnold back, they wanted Daniel Jones back.”
Tuckers seems to believe that the Vikings could second-guess their decision on turning down Rodgers and sign the 41-year-old.
Pittsburgh Steelers tipped to make Aaron Rodgers announcement next week – but with major concerns over quarterback
Rumors swirled over the Vikings and Rodgers for several weeks during the offseason.
But the franchise went in another direction and acquired Sam Howell from the Seahawks.
McCarthy will also compete with career backup Brett Rypien for the starting role this summer.
While the 2023-24 Michigan Wolverines national champion McCarthy is the clear favorite to be the Week 1 starter, the Vikings will be taking a risk with the second-year player.
The 22-year-old has yet to take an NFL regular-season snap as he was out the whole 2024 campaign due to a torn meniscus in his knee that he suffered in the preseason.
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The Minnesota Vikings are expected to hand the keys to the offense to JJ McCarthy, who was the team’s 2024 first-round pickCredit: Getty
McCarthy did participate in OTAs (Organized Team Activities) last month.
He will be part of a Vikings squad that went 14-3 last season and also made upgrades to the offense that already includes star receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and tight end TJ Hockenson.
Minnesota gave more than $53 million guaranteed to former Colts starting offensive linemen Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly.
The Vikings also drafted left guard Donovan Jackson and wideout Tai Felton in the 2025 NFL Draft.
If McCarthy is the starting QB come Week 1, he will travel to face the division rival Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football on September 8.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 – Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California