The Minnesota Vikings have yet to reveal their full plans for the quarterback position in 2025, but one NFL analyst predicts a surprising move when they do.
On Tuesday, February 11, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report speculated that Minnesota will let Sam Darnold walk in free agency and replace him with former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If that happens, Rodgers would compete with second-year QB J.J. McCarthy for the starting role.
“McCarthy has expressed his desire to compete for the QB1 job in training camp, but he may unexpectedly find himself battling Aaron Rodgers for it,” Kay wrote. “The future Hall of Famer could complete his Brett Favre-like career arc by following in the Green Bay legend’s footsteps—finishing his career in Minnesota after a disappointing stint with the New York Jets. If Rodgers joins the Vikings, his experience and veteran presence could give him an edge over McCarthy in an open competition this offseason.”
Vikings Can Offer Desirable Landing Spot to 4-Time MVP
Aaron Rodgers, who will turn 42 late next season, won’t be returning to the Jets after a disappointing two-year stint.
The four-time MVP’s time in New York got off to a disastrous start when he tore his Achilles just four snaps into the 2023 season, sidelining him for the rest of the year. He returned in 2024, starting all 17 games, but the Jets struggled to a 5-12 record.
The franchise has since undergone major changes, firing head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas before bringing in new leadership—effectively marking the end of Rodgers’ turbulent tenure in New York.
Despite two decades in the league, Rodgers remains a capable starting quarterback. He finished last season with nearly 3,900 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 63% of his passes, according to Pro Football Reference. Over the course of his career, he has amassed 62,952 passing yards.
Aaron Rodgers Will Potentially Have Multiple Options in NFL Free Agency
Rodgers remains on the Jets’ roster for now, but the team is expected to designate him as a post-June 1 release. This move will free him up to sign with any team once free agency officially begins on March 12.
While several teams could be potential landing spots, many might not be ideal given that Rodgers is likely to play only one or two more seasons.
The Pittsburgh Steelers stand out as a possible fit, especially if they plan to draft a quarterback on Day 2 as a long-term solution. With only Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Miami) carrying first-round grades, both will likely be gone before Pittsburgh picks at No. 21 overall. That could put the Steelers in the market for a bridge quarterback, and Rodgers would be an intriguing option.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans are also potential destinations, particularly if either team lands Sanders or Ward and wants a veteran to start in 2025. However, Pittsburgh may be the most appealing option for Rodgers, given their playoff appearance last season and their ability to compete immediately with strong quarterback play.
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