Kevin O’Connell has built something special with the Minnesota Vikings. After helping Sam Darnold enjoy a career renaissance on the way to a 14-win season, the reigning NFL Coach of the Year winner has established a reputation as a quarterback wizard.
While J.J. McCarthy, last year’s first-round selection, is undoubtedly the Vikings’ preferred quarterback of the future, Minnesota’s current QB room is looking a bit light, with only Brett Rypien set to join the former Michigan star next season.
However, there’s another name linked to the Vikings, which has been impossible to ignore.
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Adam Schefter: Aaron Rodgers wants to sign with the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings do want J.J. McCarthy to grow into a starting role. However, after missing the entire season due to knee surgery, there are doubts about how quickly the 22-year-old will be ready for starting duties.
Minnesota wanted to re-sign Sam Darnold. The same is true about bringing Daniel Jones back. Both are gone. Now the Vikings have to find another highly capable veteran who can help McCarthy prepare for the next stage in his development. Yet, they may also want someone who can serve as a bridge starter, in the event that McCarthy looks a bit rusty to begin the year.
The biggest name circling among the latest Vikings rumors is four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. Still without a contract after spending two disappointing seasons with the New York Jets, Rodgers is viewed as a viable option to lead the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Vikings.
However, of the three options, Rodgers may actually prefer the situation that has a franchise quarterback waiting in the wings.
Meanwhile, during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter relayed his belief that Rodgers wants to sign with the Vikings.
“If Aaron Rodgers had his way, I believe that he would like to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Do I think that that’s happening? Not today. Not next week. Do I think it’s out of the question? Not entirely. Do I think it’s likely? No. I think he knows Minnesota would be an ideal situation. He could go try to beat the Green Bay Packers, which I’m sure he would like to do. He could go try to continue to own the Chicago Bears as he has in the past. But I just don’t know that it’s practical for the Vikings. I think there’s a part of it that’s appealing, because Aaron Rodgers still played at a fairly high level and probably could step into that team and continue to play at a high level.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Aaron Rodgers and the Minnesota Vikings
As @tyschmit asks, is the possibility of Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings something or nothing?
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2025
🎧 https://t.co/FcaJKyfjbD pic.twitter.com/hyOWKSojE0
With the Giants and Steelers hoping Rodgers says yes to joining their team, and the Vikings potentially being open to signing the former Super Bowl-winning QB too, the ball is officially in Rodgers’ court.
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