Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has made it clear that he is thinking long-term for the franchise, after they opted against signing Aaron Rodgers this offseason
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has made it clear that he thinking long-term for the franchise(Image: Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings turned down the chance to sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with head coach Kevin O’Connell insisting the move would not have been best for the “future” of the franchise.
Released by the New York Jets in March, Rodgers was eventually picked up by the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, inking a $13.65 million contract after links to the Vikings. But the 41-year-old quarterback has already suffered a setback in Pittsburgh.
Coach O’Connell has since confirmed 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy as the starting quarterback for the upcoming season, who is 19 years Rodgers’ junior. Rodgers, a four-time MVP, is close friends with the Vikings head coach, having known the former QB for almost two decades, and the pair discussed a potential professional partnership during this offseason.
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“When there was an opportunity, when him and I connected this offseason just to kind of talk about what that would look like, we had a lot of great dialogue about it,” O’Connell told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-FM 100.3.
“But, it always was centered around what was best not only for the present in the Minnesota Vikings organization, but the future.
“I was very honest about my feelings toward JJ, my obligation that I felt like we were going to give him the best possible situation to begin and thrive on this NFL journey and let’s see where it goes.
“We stayed in touch and had some communication.”
J.J. McCarthy is set to be the starting quarterback for the Vikings.(Image: Getty Images)
Minnesota saw out a 14-3 season with Sam Darnold at quarterback in the NFC North, eventually being toppled by the Los Angeles Rams in the wildcard playoff game.
Darnold, the 27-year-old Pro Bowl selection, went on to put pen to paper on a three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, leaving the door open for a potential Rodgers deal to be agreed.
Coach O’Connell added: “Out of respect for our friendship and everything, that’s about as much as really kind of happened [with Rodgers]. I still talk to him and the next time I talk to him it’s going to be the same old, same old.
“He’s different than people probably think, but I think that’s all part of it in this day and age.”
With the coach’s mind being firmly set on the future, McCarthy is set to be promoted and replace Darnold, more than a year since being drafted by the Vikings with the 10th overall pick.
The 22-year-old is “having a great spring,” according to O’Connell, who continued: “We’re pretty darn close to having a good feel for where he’s at.
“He’s had a great offseason. He’s healthy, strong, throwing the ball great, fundamentals — everything you hope for in the spring.”