After an impressive 14-3 campaign in the 2024 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings experienced a setback in 2025. The Vikings concluded the year with a 9-8 record and did not make the playoffs.
One major factor in the team’s regression was the performance of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In his second year with Minnesota, having missed his rookie season due to injury, he threw for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, completing 57.6% of his passes over 10 games this season. The team posted a 6-4 record in those games.
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That performance is why Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr wrote that the Vikings could look to a four-time MVP to take over the reins for a season. Orr is predicting the Vikings will sign Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.Via Imagn Images
(Via Imagn Images)
“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,” Orr wrote. “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.”
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The impact of signing Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, would be felt throughout the Vikings organization. Bringing in someone of his stature would instantly raise expectations inside the locker room while placing increased pressure on McCarthy. For head coach Kevin O’Connell, it would represent a calculated gamble, prioritizing immediate contention over a purely developmental timeline.
From a strategic standpoint, Rodgers’ 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season signal efficiency and ball security, traits Minnesota lacked during stretches of 2025. McCarthy’s 57.6% completion rate and negative touchdown-to-interception ratio contributed to offensive inconsistency, even in games the team managed to win. A veteran presence could stabilize red-zone execution, third-down conversions and late-game decision-making, all areas that often separate 9-8 teams from playoff qualifiers.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, this potential move would define Minnesota’s direction. Is the franchise committed to accelerating its competitive window, or will it double down on McCarthy’s development? If Rodgers sees an opportunity to climb further up the all-time touchdown list — his 527 TD passes trail Peyton Manning by 12 for third place — and contend in the NFC, Minnesota could become one of the offseason’s most compelling quarterback storylines.
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Related: Paul Finebaum Names Four-Time NFL MVP Who is a ‘Washed Up Joke’
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.