Aaron Rodgers’ NFL future remains uncertain, and as the four-time MVP surveys his options, he appears to be waiting on one team in particular—the Minnesota Vikings.
Rodgers, who is set to be officially released by the New York Jets after June 1, is looking for his next team for the 2025 season. Among his potential landing spots, Minnesota has emerged as a legitimate option, especially after their starting quarterback from last season, Sam Darnold, signed with the Seattle Seahawks.
However, while there’s interest from within the Vikings’ organization, reports suggest that head coach Kevin O’Connell will ultimately have the final say on whether Rodgers joins the team.
Vikings’ Leadership Impressed with Rodgers, But Concerned About Fit
According to The Athletic, Vikings evaluators and coaches still believe in Rodgers’ ability, even as he enters his age-41 season.
“The general assessment of Rodgers by Minnesota’s talent evaluators and coaches is that he remains a highly skilled passer who can still perform at a high level from the pocket, given the right supporting cast.”
Despite this, there’s one major concern—the development of JJ McCarthy. The Vikings’ 2024 first-round pick was expected to take over as the team’s starter last season, but a season-ending injury in the preseason forced Minnesota to roll with Darnold, who surprisingly led them to a playoff berth.
Now, with Darnold gone, the Vikings’ quarterback situation is unclear, and O’Connell must decide whether adding Rodgers would stunt McCarthy’s growth.
“All parties believe that O’Connell is the decision-maker best equipped to know and understand what McCarthy’s mindset is, and how the young quarterback might react to Rodgers’ presence. O’Connell is also the person whose day-to-day reality would be most affected by such a move.”
While team owners Zygi and Mark Wilf and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will have a say in the decision, reports indicate that they are deferring to O’Connell.
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McCarthy’s Development vs. Rodgers’ Experience
The biggest factor in Minnesota’s decision will likely come down to how confident the coaching staff is in McCarthy’s ability to lead the team in 2025.
The Vikings drafted McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, viewing him as their franchise quarterback of the future. If they believe he’s ready to step in as a full-time starter, then adding Rodgers could create an unnecessary quarterback controversy.
However, if McCarthy needs more time to develop, signing Rodgers could give the Vikings a veteran leader who can still perform at a high level, providing them with a win-now option.
Rodgers’ Next Move: Minnesota, New York, or Pittsburgh?
If the Vikings pass on Rodgers, his most likely landing spots would be the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants—two teams that have been heavily linked to him throughout the offseason.
Rodgers’ time in New York with the Jets was a disaster—he played only four snaps in 2023 before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, then followed it up with a disappointing five-win season in 2024. Now, he’s looking for one final chapter to revive his career and cement his legacy.
Final Decision Rests on Kevin O’Connell
With Minnesota weighing their options, Rodgers’ future could come down to one key question—does Kevin O’Connell want a Hall of Fame quarterback to lead the team for a season or two, or is he ready to fully commit to McCarthy?
For now, the Vikings are still debating, and Rodgers waits, knowing that his next move depends on their call.