The 2026 campaign will be a make-or-break one for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy was the biggest reason why the Vikings missed the playoffs in 2025 and, not only did he not play well, but McCarthy struggled with injury once again.

The expectation is the Vikings are going to add a veteran as an insurance policy, but we would not rule out the team bringing in someone who will replace McCarthy entirely.

And that’s exactly what Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr predicts. He has the Vikings bringing in Aaron Rodgers in free agency to replace McCarthy.

The Vikings will bring in Aaron Rodgers to “compete” with J.J. McCarthy.

While it may be just a hunch, I don’t see Rodgers walking away from the chance to pass Peyton Manning on the NFL’s all-time touchdown list. And I don’t see Kevin O’Connell walking away from the chance to add meaningful depth to his roster. While Rodgers and Zach Wilson ended up not being the developmental bridge the Jets had hoped, McCarthy must realize he’s in a similar sink-or-swim situation and can take copious notes. 

We could definitely see this happening.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell almost certainly has an increased sense of urgency after failing to make the playoffs last season. Acquiring Rodgers and starting him over McCarthy would give the Vikings a better chance to win.

The only problem with this prediction is we still don’t know what Rodgers is going to do. He could very well retire, or Rodgers could opt to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his old head coach Mike McCarthy now resides.

But the Vikings have got to be an intriguing landing spot for Rodgers. Minnesota has a better supporting cast when it comes to wide receivers, and a better roster overall.

If Rodgers was able to win 10 games with the Steelers last season, it’s conceivable he could win even more with a better team.

Rodgers leaving would be bad news for the Steelers, as they’d be left without a sure starter on the roster. Nobody knows what Will Howard is yet, and Mason Rudolph isn’t a starter.

Perhaps the Steelers could turn to the Vikings in that situation and trade for McCarthy, who would almost certainly want out if Rodgers is signed.

Granted, McCarthy is no lock to solve the Steelers’ woes under center, but he would at least give them some semblance of hope for the future. 

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