March 3, 2026, 10:34 p.m. CT
The Minnesota Vikings gambled and rolled with J.J. McCarthy in 2025. After Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks, the Vikings failed to retain Daniel Jones. That left them scrambling for a suitable veteran option heading into training camp.
One of the most prominent names linked to Minnesota was Aaron Rodgers, who was coming off a disappointing two-year run with the New York Jets. Ultimately, the Vikings chose to roll with McCarthy, and Rodgers signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
McCarthy struggled with injuries and consistency, throwing 11 touchdowns and 12 picks in ten starts. Meanwhile, Rodgers provided adequate yet unspectacular play in Pittsburgh, tossing 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 65.7% of his passes.
Rodgers, 42, is set to be a free agent again. Minnesota is seeking a veteran quarterback, again. Could things change this year between the Vikings and Rodgers? Matthew Berry of NBC Sports says it’s possible.
I heard that LAST YEAR coach Kevin O’Connell wanted Aaron Rodgers (and Rodgers was interested in Minnesota) but that the overall Vikings organization was not on board so obviously, Rodgers went to Pittsburgh and the Vikings went with McCarthy. With organizational changes to the Vikings front office, Rodgers is once again on the Vikings radar but again, this will be a full team decision if they decide to pursue him.
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However, Berry says that the expectation right now is that if Rodgers doesn’t retire, he’ll return to Pittsburgh.
Speaking of Aaron Rodgers, I was told he is leaning towards coming back but, that while you never know with Rodgers, the current expectation is that if he comes back it would be to return to Pittsburgh.
Minnesota is expected to add a veteran quarterback this offseason. Whether that ultimately includes Rodgers may depend less on interest and more on alignment across the organization — something that reportedly wasn’t there a year ago.