Aaron Rodgers following in the footsteps of Brett Favre by transitioning from the Green Bay Packers to the New York Jets and potentially the Minnesota Vikings would be quite the narrative, even according to his former coach. “It would be an incredible story, wouldn’t it?” Matt LaFleur remarked during the NFL owners’ meetings, as reported by ESPN.
“Every team has great players, so if it happens, it happens. It’s not something I’ll dwell on constantly. Sure, it’s on your mind during the week you’re up against them. But if it happens, good for them.” Rodgers, who parted ways with the Jets in March after two seasons, has been frequently associated with the Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, with the New York Giants seemingly out of contention after signing veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
Pittsburgh’s persistent interest in Rodgers follows the departure of both Wilson and Justin Fields via free agency. Last year, Wilson played in 12 games for the Steelers, while Fields appeared in six. Recently, Rodgers was observed throwing to DK Metcalf, the Steelers’ new wide receiver and a two-time Pro Bowler. Minnesota is coming off a 14-3 season but fell in the wild-card round and then lost quarterback Sam Darnold, who passed for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Darnold inked a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. The Vikings have shown confidence in second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, drafted with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, though McCarthy missed the 2024 season due to a torn meniscus sustained last summer. While the Vikings are reportedly not currently pursuing Rodgers, they have not dismissed the possibility.
Last season, Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, recorded 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 90.5 passer rating, completing 63% of his throws during a 5-12 season for the Jets. Rodgers’ debut season with the Jets (2023) concluded on their first drive when he tore his Achilles. The Vikings have held the upper hand over the Packers recently, winning six of the last nine meetings and sweeping the 2024 season series.
Green Bay finished 11-6, securing third place in the NFC North, but exited in the wild-card round against eventual Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. LaFleur is entering his seventh year as Green Bay’s head coach. Over his six-year tenure, the Packers have achieved a 67-33 regular-season record and a 3-5 postseason mark.