Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings? That rumor lasted about as long as Sam Darnold‘s closest run to the MVP campaign last season. It was fun while it lasted, but the Vikes just slammed the door on Rodgers, choosing to ride with J.J. McCarthy instead. I mean, that’s how the Skol Nation wanted it.
But let’s rewind a bit. After Aaron Glenn‘s appointment, the Jets cut A-Rod because, you know, 5-12 isn’t exactly what they signed up for. The first year went awry. The second? All talk, no walk! So, you can understand why the Gang Green wanted a new member under center. Now, as for the 41-year-old gunslinger… The wise choice would have been to walk off. But that’s Aaron we are talking about.
He wasn’t going anywhere like that. Hence the whole whispers of a Brett Favre-esque reunion with the Vikings started swirling. Rodgers saw Minnesota as his best shot at one last Lombardi run. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell? Not so much.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Vikings never seriously entertained the idea. Instead, they shut down multiple trade calls for McCarthy, making it clear the 2024 first-round pick was their guy.
And just like that, Rodgers’ Minnesota dreams evaporated. But the thing is: this whole idea of A-Rod in purple might have just been media-cooked. It would not have looked cool on the gridiron. Well, at least, that’s what Andrew Brandt believes.
Brandt, who spent years managing Green Bay’s roster, wasn’t about to let Rodgers’ Vikings pipe dream go unchecked. His take? “Vikings and Aaron never made sense. He would be a placeholder for at most a year, more likely just a few games. McCarthy is the future, time to get on with it.”
Translation: Minnesota was never about to waste a full season of development on a 41-year-old quarterback with a shrinking runway. Sure, Rodgers still plays clean football—his 1.8% turnover-worthy play rate was fifth best in the league—but his big-play ability took a hit. The Vikings want a long-term answer, not a short-term nostalgia trip.
And yes, he’ll also be a placeholder with Giants and Steelers, but have a lot more runway than with the Vikings, who want McCarthy on the field soon. https://t.co/RDkaLCqcnq
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) March 19, 2025
And honestly, the Vikings’ decision isn’t shocking. They spent the 10th overall pick on McCarthy for a reason. While he missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus, O’Connell remains confident in his development. “I’m very excited about where J.J.’s at,” O’Connell said. “He’s returned to on-field training… right where we hoped he would be.”
Minnesota’s offense is loaded. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson? That’s a dream setup for a young QB. The Vikings aren’t rebuilding—they’re reloading.
As for the Diva… I mean, Rodgers… Now that the Vikings are off the table, he is left with two real suitors: the Giants and the Steelers. Both teams need a veteran QB, but Rodgers would still be a placeholder there, too.
The Giants have been flirting with Daniel Jones replacements, even exploring Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. But Rodgers is still their Plan A. Meanwhile, the Steelers—who just waved goodbye to Justin Fields—could have room for Rodgers.
So, Aaron Rodgers’ next chapter won’t be in Minnesota, that’s for sure!
Welcome to another episode of Where in the World is Aaron Rodgers Going? The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer has kept us all waiting, but here’s what we know—Minnesota isn’t rolling out the welcome mat. Despite Rodgers reportedly waiting on the Vikings to pick up the phone, that call may never come. Instead, the real battle seems to be between the Steelers, the Giants… or maybe, just maybe, retirement.
If you’ve seen Rodgers lately—walking along the beach, headphones in, wrapped in a blanket—he’s giving off serious thinking about life energy. But let’s not kid ourselves. This is Aaron Rodgers. The guy who once turned a darkness retreat into an offseason headline. He’s taking his time, weighing his options, and keeping us all guessing. The Steelers have offered him a one-year deal, banking on their defense and playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the Giants have dangled more money in front of him. The question is—does he want the payday, or the better shot at a ring?
And speaking of money, let’s get one thing straight—Rodgers doesn’t need it. He’s the highest-paid player in NFL history, sitting at a cool $381 million in career earnings. That’s more than Brady. More than Manning. More than Kirk Cousins, who basically turned getting franchise-tagged into a financial art form. So, is this about stacking another contract, or is it about proving he’s still got it?
Some, like Chris Long, think New York makes the most sense. “No offense to the Steelers,” he said, “but this isn’t your typical Steelers team.” He’s got a point. Pittsburgh’s offense isn’t exactly built to let Rodgers cook, and if they don’t have a dominant defense, what’s the draw? Meanwhile, the Giants have Malik Nabers, a young star who could thrive with Rodgers slinging the ball. But let’s be real—playing in the NFC East isn’t exactly a walk in the park, either.
So, what’s next? Rodgers has two real options on the table, and retirement is still lurking in the shadows. The man moves at his own pace, and the league just has to wait. Whether he’s suiting up in blue, black and gold, or calling it quits, one thing’s for sure—he’s making all of us play the waiting game.
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