The NFL free agency period for 2025 kicked off with plenty of headlines, but for the Minnesota Vikings, the buzz isn’t just about their new roster additions. Instead, the chatter has been dominated by the debate over signing free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

The question looms large: should the Vikings roll with their current quarterback prospect, J.J. McCarthy, or bring in the seasoned yet older Rodgers?

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones added fuel to the fire on FS1’s “The Facility,” bringing a fresh perspective to this subject. Jones firmly believes the Vikings wouldn’t be making a mistake by sticking with McCarthy, saying, “You have a guy in J.J.

McCarthy that you drafted 10th overall. That’s a top-10 draft pick, a guy you believed in.

He got injured, but you got the best out of Sam Darnold last season. Now, Darnold’s moved on to the Seahawks.

Let’s see what our rookie has. If your rookie can thrive on a rookie deal, you have a solid foundation for a championship team.”

Jones reiterated his respect for Rodgers but emphasized the value in developing McCarthy. “I love Aaron Rodgers, but if you have J.J.

McCarthy, who was playing well before his injury, he would’ve likely surpassed Darnold for the starting role. If you bring in Rodgers, it could hinder McCarthy’s development because the best way to grow is by playing.”

Considering the Vikings made a bold move last year by using their first-ever top-10 draft pick on McCarthy, sitting him for an aging Rodgers seems counterintuitive. The franchise, steeped in history since 1961, shook things up with McCarthy’s selection, laying the foundation for its quarterback of the future.

It’s puzzling that some think the Vikings should bench their rookie quarterback in favor of a 41-year-old whose recent headlines have been more off-field than on. Relegating McCarthy on the bench would undo the confidence and progress the Vikings’ organization has cultivated over the past few years.

Rodgers’ days as an MVP-caliber quarterback have faded since his 2021 peak. Bringing him into the fold and sidelining McCarthy’s cost-effective rookie contract smacks of desperation, something the purple-and-gold franchise is not exuding.

In this saga, it’s clear who desires a fresh start, and it’s not Minnesota. The Vikings appear poised to rally behind McCarthy, nurturing him to lead them into a new era.