JUST-IN: Unexpected Outcome As “Vikings Ready to Ditch Sam Darnold and Pursue Aaron Rodgers or Daniel Jones As They Eye Minnesota Spot – Shocking QB Drama Unfolds!”

The recent trade between the Raiders and Seahawks has shaken up the quarterback market, with Geno Smith’s departure from Seattle now leaving the team in need of a quarterback. This move has immediately linked Sam Darnold to the Seahawks, shifting his situation with the Vikings. Although the Vikings initially showed interest in re-signing Darnold at a lower rate, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports that they are now unlikely to bring him back and are exploring other options.

With J.J. McCarthy nearing the starting role, Darnold’s potential departure opens the door for the Vikings to focus on a more affordable alternative. One such option is Daniel Jones, whose price tag will be significantly lower than Darnold’s. However, the Vikings may not be the only team looking at Jones as a potential option; earlier this week, a Colts-Jones connection surfaced, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport confirms that Indianapolis will be pursuing Jones as they search for a veteran to compete with Anthony Richardson.

There’s also a larger name in play. While the Giants have been closely tied to Aaron Rodgers, Rapoport adds that the Vikings could be a dark horse contender for the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Although it might seem unlikely for Rodgers to take on a “placeholder” role in Minnesota, it’s possible given the Vikings’ need for a veteran quarterback, especially with McCarthy expected to take over as the starter in the near future.

Rodgers’ potential move to Minnesota would differ from Brett Favre’s earlier path, where Favre played two seasons with the Jets before joining the Vikings. If Rodgers were cut by the Packers, the Vikings could become an appealing option for him, especially with no clear successor in New York and the Giants possibly pursuing a trade for a young QB like Cam Ward.

The Vikings have a more immediate plan for McCarthy, which could make their situation less attractive to a veteran like Rodgers, who might have a clearer path to starting with another team. While the Vikings had elevated Jones from their practice squad late last season, he didn’t see action in their wild-card game, and his experience could make him a reliable backup for McCarthy in 2025 if he returns.

With Darnold’s market heating up, Jones remains a cost-effective solution for the Vikings moving forward. The question now is whether Jones will become their preferred choice over Rodgers as they look to solidify their quarterback position.