By tomorrow, the Minnesota Vikings will part ways with Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens, leaving two major implications: J.J. McCarthy is now the clear favorite to start in 2025, and the team must find a suitable backup quarterback in the coming days.
One player frequently linked to the Vikings is Aaron Rodgers, a 10-time Pro Bowler, four-time MVP, and one-time Super Bowl champion who has played for both the Green Bay Packers and, more recently, the New York Jets.
However, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky strongly opposed the idea of Minnesota signing Rodgers during the March 11 episode of Get Up.
“That would be a mistake for the Minnesota Vikings. You’ve already made the decision to move on from Sam Darnold. You’ve now basically said, ‘This is going to be J.J. McCarthy’s team, and we want him to lead it,’” Orlovsky said.
“Aaron Rodgers comes with a lot—whether people like it or not, it’s a lot. Don’t bring that to your locker room. You’ve handed the keys to a young player, and telling him, ‘This is your team,’ while bringing in Rodgers would hinder that development.”
Aaron RodgersRodgers Could Elevate Vikings to Super Bowl Contenders
There is a case for Rodgers joining the Vikings, especially considering his proven track record. Despite being 41, Rodgers threw for 3,900 yards last season, with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His former Jets teammate, cornerback Sauce Gardner, even suggested that Rodgers could be the league’s top passer if he joined the Vikings, thanks to the team’s talented offensive roster.
Minnesota won 14 games last season with Darnold under center, and one could argue that a healthy Rodgers at 75-80% of his MVP level, alongside the Vikings’ offensive weapons, could take the team even further—particularly in the playoffs.
However, the drama that has followed Rodgers both on and off the field presents a significant concern. His history of public clashes with teammates and coaches, combined with his weekly interviews on The Pat McAfee Show—which often lead to polarizing headlines on political and cultural issues—takes the focus away from football.
Given all of this, plus the potential negative impact on McCarthy’s growth and sense of security with the team, there’s a strong argument against the Vikings pursuing Rodgers.
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