As the Giants and Steelers have hovered as the leaders in this unusual Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes for multiple days, the future Hall of Fame quarterback is still deliberating. Rodgers is well aware the Giants and Steelers are interested, but the third team linked to him over the weekend is still believed to be in the mix.
Rodgers remains intrigued by playing for the Vikings, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Michael Silver note. Minnesota continues to evaluate its QB options, and we heard over the weekend Rodgers is one of them. While completing the Full Favre would be make for an eerie parallel for his one-time Packers successor, Minnesota has some selling points the other two suitors do not.
Kevin O’Connell is the reigning NFL Coach of the Year, riding to that honor mostly as Sam Darnold went from bottom-tier starter and borderline draft bust to an original-ballot Pro Bowler who threw 35 touchdown passes in guiding the Vikings to a stunning 14-3 record. Darnold targeted All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, former first-rounder Jordan Addison and Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson. Longtime Rodgers teammate Aaron Jones also did heavy lifting for the 2024 Vikings, and he is back on a two-year, $20MM deal.
Minnesota also finished with a top-five defense last season, and during a week in which the team re-signed Byron Murphy and retained Harrison Smith, the Vikes added veteran D-linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Brett Favre joined a Vikings team that had lost a wild-card game in 2008, albeit with a much worse record than last year’s Minnesota edition; Rodgers may be interested in helping a team to a higher level. Though, the four-time MVP failing to do so in New York — ahead of a Wednesday release — offers a warning sign for the suitors.
Favre took the Vikings to the 2009 NFC championship game, delivering an MVP-caliber season at 40. That ended badly, with a reckless interception stalling a potential game-winning Vikings drive in the NFC championship game. But Favre delivered a strong season at 40, beating Rodgers’ Packers twice. Unretirement No. 3 in 2010 did not go as well, as Favre’s ironman streak ended during a 6-10 Vikes season.
Rodgers is rumored to be interested in playing two more years, which is where a Minnesota decision would become complicated. Unlike in 2009 when they recruited Favre, the Vikings have a young quarterback (J.J. McCarthy) they are planning to build around. The 2009 Vikes had seen three Tarvaris Jackson seasons, as both a starter and backup, by that point. This Vikings regime is high on McCarthy, having centered its 2024 offseason around him before a meniscus tear entrenched Darnold at QB1. Rodgers may not be too keen on serving as a bridge who faces the risk of being benched during his first season with the team.
Chances are, he would not face that reality in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are not in position to grab a starter-level QB in the draft, though one of the QBs off the Cam Ward/Shedeur Sanders tier may rise up draft boards during the pre-draft process. But Rodgers could have a path, even as he will turn 42 in December, to starting throughout for a Steelers team that has a strong defensive nucleus — and one that just acquired D.K. Metcalf to play alongside George Pickens.
The Steelers have made their offer, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reports, adding that money is not believed to be driving this Rodgers delay. The decorated quarterback has not publicly confirmed he even intends to play in 2025, though that has been the expectation for a bit. Although the Steelers are unlikely to essentially hand the keys to Rodgers in the way the Jets did, their hesitation on Russell Wilson does raise the stakes for this particular free agency pursuit.
Wilson looms as a Steelers backup option, but time may be ticking there, too. Wilson is visiting the Browns on Thursday and Giants on Friday. While Wilson has settled in behind Rodgers within the QB free agent hierarchy — to the point the Giants would be unlikely to sign him before they know they are out of the Rodgers derby — he remains a capable starting quarterback who could be a bridge option to a rookie.
The Vikings being in the Rodgers mix as well stands to give the 20-year veteran a good chance to remain a starter in 2025. While Rodgers is well off the 2012 Peyton Manning level in terms of free agency prize, as the all-time great’s free agency decision stalled the NFL that offseason, the Rodgers free agency is slowing the market for at least one quarterback and probably a couple more.
The two teams in this derby who do not land Rodgers figure to place an immediate call to Wilson’s camp. Options tail off soon after. Gardner Minshew is available, and Joe Flacco is interested in playing an age-40 season. The line moves to Jameis Winston, Carson Wentz and Mason Rudolph after. The Falcons continue to hold Kirk Cousins hostage, intent on keeping him for a potential trade market.
I think Rodgers is probably considering the Vikings more than they’re considering him.
Arod definitely wants to play for a team that just won 14 games that has one of the best coaches
I would hate to see Minnesota sign him though because jj McCarthy deserves the reigns and doesn’t need to spend 2 seasons of his cheap contract on the sidelines
Also they don’t need a locker room cancer that lies about Covid that single-handedly ruined this jets championship window etc etc
What makes you think McCarthy deserves ANYTHING? You are asinine!
They traded up LAST year to get him. Darnold being serviceable wasn’t in the plans, nor was the knee injury.
The Vikings think he deserves something.
He deserves a shot to earn the starting job. Thats it. Just because he was a higher draft pick QB, doesn’t mean they should hand him the keys to the team.
If the Vikes bring in Rodger’s, JJ won’t have the shot to earn the starting spot that you suggest he deserves.
Isn’t that the same thing they said about Penix in Atlanta not getting a shot with Cousins just signed last year?
Cousins Rodgers
Rodgers is not the same as Cousins
I heard from sources that the queens are not interested in Rodgers and they’re going with McCarthy
Chet- Sure, but things change fast in the NFL. He tore his meniscus and then they went 14-3 without him in a season in which many expected them to take a step back. Maybe they aren’t confident he’s going to be fully healthy and ready to go now for a team who is fully competing. It’s possible those factors affected their opinion on whether he deserves a shot for the sake of it.
Many scouts and so called football experts from espn and nfln had McCarthy rated higher than Bo Nix. From what I understand he’s very talented and the Vikings are gonna give him every opportunity to start this year
Probably THE worst take ever on pro football rumors. Definitely worth a self mute.
I think its the opposite
AR don’t wanna play ahead of a QB that could replace him permanently any given week
Obviously MIN would love to make a run with him, but his job security would be safe as they come in PIT or NYG
To me, this says that Rodgers is probably planning on two seasons. Unless he goes and plays at an MVP level with Minnesota, McCarthy is likely starting next year. There’s really no other reason to not want the Vikings job.
If I’m Rodgers, I’m taking it anyway. Minnesota has a better line and better supporting offensive cast, despite Pittsburgh’s improvements. O’Connell has done great work with two veterans in Darnold and Cousins. If Rodgers wants to rebuild his reputation, Minnesota is the place to do it.
Agreed.
While he certainly could win a SB in Minnesota, the Steelers are no slouch either and would be handing him the keys for 2 seasons with no QB competition
Given their limited draft assets, it’s unlikely Steelers even draft a QB this year unless it’s on day 3
Second worst take.
Thank God. That was a close one.
FREE COUSINS
Time to move on. Kahn waited and waited on Aiyuk last year and now doing this with Rodgers. Keeps waiting and Winston will be your starter next years
Losing faith in Kahn.
I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying here
Are you inferring you’d be upset if they “miss out” on Jameis Winston?
I’m not so sure that’s someone they’d even be interested in (I wouldn’t be)
And missing out Aiyuk worked out great. He turned out to be an asshat, and Khan traded for DKM
My inference is that he’s concerned Pitt will end up with Winston because they’ll miss out on many better possibilities by waiting for Rodgers.
Makes way more sense lol.
I definitely misread that
It happens to all of us haha
Exactly. Move on. He’s 42. Not 32
Get Russ back and draft a Dart or better yet, a Shough.
I was hoping they were working on a blockbuster trade but you’re right, it’s Aiyuk all over again
Huh?
Don’t let him taint McCarthy. His kind isn’t welcome anymore.
AR did not taint Jordan Love. He worked very well with him. That said, given AR’s age and performance, it’s far more likely McCarthy starts over him than Love ever had the chance to. I don’t see the Vikings being appealing to Rodgers. And I don’t see the Vikings wanting him.
As I remember, he initially pitched a hissy fit until calming down. Like you said, at 42, is he worth that risk?
Pitts OC is heavily opinionated/ controlling.
Run first.
Not give QBs much leeway.
QBs can’t often adjust plays.
These are also Rodgers traits,(of what I have read).
The playstyle is opposite of his career.
Who would back down?
I hope he goes to the Vikings. That would take a dangerous team and turn it into a circus.
Because I’d like to see your Bears take the division, I’m personally not rooting for this and don’t think you should either. There’s a better offense in place in Minnesota and structure in the Vikings’ environment. Rodgers wouldn’t be allowed to come in and make it about him with that team culture.
myaccount2,I completely get what you’re saying. The Vikes have a strong coaching staff on the field with some quality players. The thing is Rodgers is Rodgers. He’s 42 and not likely to change his behavior and attitude. He is what he is. An old saying: A leopard doesn’t change his spots.
I think the Vikings are much more likely to LOSE with Rodgers than be better with Rodgers. He’s not the old Rodgers. Or to rephrase, He is Old, Hobbled and Clubhouse Cancer. Not the before version. I don’t think the Vikings are that crazy though. But hey stay tuned right? There are some weird things going on. The Jets are doing good things, The Steelers are doing pathetic things, It’s like NFL opposite day.
Hey cmon Mike. The Steelers brought back Mason Rudolph.
Anyway, yeah, I agree. Here’s a guy who’s 42 and selfish. Don’t know how he helps the Vikes or JJ
Talking about weird things going on in the NFL. What are the 49ers doing?
I just didn’t list them all but sure that’s weird right? Colts like dropped their whole OLine and are buying more guys to fill the holes.Bears are doing smart things. Anything goes apparently.
Uncle Mike- Rodgers is not the Rodgers of old, that’s for sure, but I think a poor offensive system, below average coaching, and a bad culture affected him last season. He was very good at times, and showed he could still play within the flow of an offense.
Fred- The Jets allowed him to act like this but the Packers didn’t. If he doesn’t wanna get with the program, Minnesota would tell him to get lost. I’m sure they won’t put up with it. There’s a culture and stability there. The Jets showed Rodgers that he got to build the culture by begging him to play for them and letting him bring in all his henchmen.
In some ways…Rodgers has to mend fences…a one year deal make good contract and helping JJ McCarthy develop would help with tbe GOOD will in Minnesota
The Steelers have butt fumbled this offseason.
They misplayed the Fields situation from the moment he arrived until the moment he left.
If they hadn’t just traded for Metcalf, it would be time to trade Watt, Minkah, Pickens, etc. and rebuild.
Instead, they are getting strung along by an over the hill drama queen while trying to string along a different over the hill drama queen. These are the best options they have left themselves.
All that matters to them is not having a losing season
sad but true
Nothing but a media play. Enlist these useless scribes and shills and run with a false narrative.
I agree
From everything I’ve seen, AR has already chosen Steelers and can’t officially sign until he’s released
Maybe there’s a very slight chance of some sort of contract breakdown , but seems like Steelers are willing to give him the 2 year deal he desires.
He can agree and sign now. Being designated a June 1st cut is for money purposes only. He is a free agent the day they give him the June 1st designation and can sign that day if he wants. He does not have to wait until after June 1st, so that is not why he is not signing anywhere yet.
Yes. Slay was the same designation and signed immediately. Rodgers just wants to play games
1 year deal in Minnesota makes the most sense.
Vikings obv have a good team & McCarthy did have 2 meniscus surgeries last year so they’d probably be willing to let him sit an additional year and fully heal.
ARod should do a low cost 1 year deal, add to his legacy & reevaluate next offseason. Vikings are only one of these teams that has any shot at a SB. Brady & Manning going to new teams & winning SBs + having massive success has to be eating Rodgers.
Im just going to comment on every post at this point because this is such an interesting situation
But my understanding is Rodgers will be in the same situation Russ was last year, where the new team just pays the minimum while the Jets cover the tab.
Therefore he’s trying to secure a 2 year deal that locks him into some sort of guarantee for 2026
I don’t think Vikings would do a 2 year deal.
Rodgers has made a ton of money in his career, at this point he is playing for legacy. Though that’s just my opinion.
I don’t either
That’s why I don’t think he’s going there
I think Rodgers kills the vibe there
You’re not going to bring him in to sit or be a backup. So unless JJ is behind schedule on his rehab, why? Are you going to sit him another year, kill his confidence?
Let him go to the Giants. They’re perfect for each other
McCarthy needed a second meniscus surgery end of fall so it would make sense for the Vikings to slow play his recovery. I don’t think it would hurt his confidence at all.
I’m not sure it’s smart for the Steelers to let Rodgers string them along, and end up missing out on R Wilson if Rodgers signs elsewhere.
Idk. I used to feel that way but,
I think I’d rather just jump into a rebuild at QB than use Wilson again
I’d rather use Mason Rudolph and Jaxson Dart/Will Howard than Russ
Rodgers is a very unique player and one of the best to ever do it. So while maybe the same logic should be applied, it’s still worth a shot if AR12 wants to come try to extend the win streak in 2025.
As the old saying goes, Rodgers needs to either $hit, or get off the pot.
If you haven’t seen the Louisville QB, do yourself a favor and head on over to YouTube. I’d seen a few of his games and then did a little more research. More upside, bigger guy. And the Steelers had him in town for a meeting last week
Would rather play single wing than bring Wilson back.
If Rodgers was so in demand, he would of had a team jumping through hoops to sign him by now. If the Steelers were all in on Rodgers, they would not be negoiating with Wilson, they would not have waited for the Jets to release him, they would of work out a deal with the Jets to get him. Same goes for the Vikings if the Vikings were even strongly interested. Rodgers will be 42yrs before the season even starts, the Raiders traded for a 35yr old QB gave up a 3rd round for him. Nah, Rodgers did not have a good season with the Jets, do you really expect Rodgers to be the key piece for the Steelers to get to the SBowl I really cannot see it, I do see if he is signed to just have another mediocre season at QB, as I do with Wilson, even with DK at WR. These two QB’s just don’t have it anymore. It is a gamble by teams to sign these old QB’s and expect to catch lightning in a bottle of yester year when they were good.
Then I have to ask you—and I’m being serious, because I sure don’t know—what are the Steelers doing? Working on a trade?
Just read the Steelers just signed Mason Rudolph to a two-yr contract, but I still believe they may wait until near or on draft day if they are going to make a deal. But I really see them drafting a QB, and depending on the way the draft plays out like rumors right now that Sanders draft stock is falling(???)
I really think right now the Steelers are in a real dilemma about which way to go, like I said Rodgers/Wilson are not going to bring this team a to a deep playoff run let alone a Super Bowl. They could pay the piper for a Murray which is another rumor ala Sporting News article.
Yeah. I posted the article here. And you’re right. They are in a dilemma as neither guy is likely the answer
I like Sanders but I tend to like Louisville QB more having seen a few of their games
I actually hope they wait until draft time at this point
If they bring in Rodgers and Rudolph, I wouldn’t take a QB until round 5
And even then, what’s the point? You got Rudolph as the backup on a 2 year deal. That pick likely never sees the light of day
Just wait until next year.
And yes I do have Sanders available at 21.. because he’s not a good qb. Would really be wasting a valuable pick taking him there
I can agree but there are a couple QBs that may fall lower that look promising…like the guys who were at Louisville (who I like), Ohio St and Dart
But yeah, they didn’t shore up the D-line at all and the O-line….oy!
Slay doesn’t solve much at cb either
O-line Jones-Seaumaulu-Frazier-McCormick-Fautanu , not a major priority other than bringing in an Andre Dillard type for insurance for Fautanu injury
DLine has plenty of holes. I think you take Harmon if he’s there , and hope to find an Alfred Collins NT type r3
Would love if Will Howard slipped to r5. Potentially possible. I’ll have to look into the LVille guy
You can only hope for the best with the O-line because they’re all young. But that’s a big hope
Agreed about Slay and the guy they brought in from the Jets
This QB drama trumps all other issues and as desertdawg has said, it’s hard to believe they’re playing this waiting game with these old guys. Maybe the draft will be extraordinarily interesting
It’s definitely an interesting draft class
If any of these teams are looking for a pain in their rear, it’s a lot cheaper to buy a thumbtack and sit on it than to sign Rodgers.
Would still take Flacco as a bridge guy over most of them. Although Winston is entertaining. To bad he can’t just reign himself in to be a little safer with the ball.
can’t help but wonder when Love will be wearing jets green and then Viking purple
AR is just a text away from following the Brett Favre roadmap.
Just a damm drama queen should’ve been on that nut job RFK jr. VP last year choice smart go Pittsburgh best chance for a playoff then if not you and Coach Tomlin ride off together in the sunset. PS he will find another job somewhere.
So tired of this prima donna holding teams hostage. He did the same thing with the Jets. As bad as Wilson can be, he’s still not the head case Rodgers is. Just sign a QB and forget Rodgers.