Why the Minnesota Vikings Are Avoiding Aaron Rodgers – And Why It’s a Mistake

Minnesota’s Love for Ex-Packers Players

Over the years, the Minnesota Vikings have gained a reputation for signing former Green Bay Packers players. Whether it’s Brett Favre, Greg Jennings, Za’Darius Smith, or countless others, the Vikings seem to enjoy bringing in talent from their NFC North rivals.

That’s why it’s surprising that they have distanced themselves from Aaron Rodgers—arguably the greatest quarterback in Packers history. Signing Rodgers wouldn’t have just been another way to get back at Green Bay; it would have made perfect sense for a team that believes it can contend for a Super Bowl.

A Ready-Made Super Bowl Contender

The Vikings have spent aggressively this offseason, reinforcing their roster with veteran talent. This signals that they believe they are close to competing at the highest level. If that’s the case, why not go after one of the best quarterbacks of the modern era?

Rodgers, despite an injury-shortened 2023 season with the New York Jets, proved the doubters wrong by posting 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 90.5 passer rating. That level of production is far superior to what the Vikings might get from an unproven rookie quarterback or a stopgap veteran.

Handing Rodgers the reins of Kevin O’Connell’s offense could have unlocked his full potential in a system better suited to his strengths. And let’s not forget the biggest bonus—throwing to Justin Jefferson, the best wide receiver in football.

The Rodgers Factor in QB Development

One argument against signing Rodgers is that it could hinder the development of J.J. McCarthy, the rookie quarterback the Vikings selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, history suggests otherwise.

Rodgers was an instrumental figure in Jordan Love’s development in Green Bay. Despite their competitive dynamic, Rodgers actively supported and mentored Love. Even after leaving the Packers, Rodgers remained a vocal advocate for his successor.

If Minnesota was serious about setting McCarthy up for long-term success, pairing him with Rodgers for a year or two could have been the perfect scenario. Instead, they seem to be pushing McCarthy into a starting role immediately—a risky move for a team with playoff ambitions.

The Vikings’ Backup Plan: Ryan Tannehill?

Rather than pursuing Rodgers, the Vikings appear to be considering a far less exciting option—free agent quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Minnesota has held discussions with Tannehill, who was benched in Tennessee after a disappointing 2023 season in which he threw just four touchdowns to seven interceptions.

If the Vikings do sign Tannehill, they would enter the season with two quarterbacks: one who has never taken an NFL snap (McCarthy) and another who will have gone over 600 days without playing in a regular-season game. That’s hardly an ideal situation for a team looking to compete.

Will Tannehill Accept a Backup Role?

On the surface, Tannehill seems like a logical veteran mentor for McCarthy. But will he accept a backup role?

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport previously reported that Tannehill is seeking a situation where he has a chance to start for the full season. That raises an important question: If Minnesota signs Tannehill, is it to be a backup or to challenge McCarthy for the starting job?

Tannehill has also been vocal in the past about not wanting to mentor young quarterbacks. In 2022, when he was with the Titans, he stated that it wasn’t his job to mentor Malik Willis. That sounds eerily similar to Brett Favre’s stance when Rodgers was drafted in Green Bay, and it’s a far cry from the leadership Rodgers provided to Jordan Love.

The Packers Win Either Way

From Green Bay’s perspective, the Vikings’ quarterback decisions only work in their favor.

If Minnesota chooses to start a rookie quarterback with zero NFL experience, they risk wasting a season with a championship-caliber roster. If they sign Tannehill, they might end up with a struggling veteran who hasn’t played in over a year.

Meanwhile, Rodgers appears destined to join the Pittsburgh Steelers, avoiding a move to the NFC North entirely. That’s great news for the Packers, who won’t have to deal with their former quarterback coming back to haunt them twice a year.

Minnesota’s Missed Opportunity

The Vikings had a chance to sign a four-time MVP quarterback, a player who could have given them an immediate shot at the Super Bowl while also mentoring their rookie quarterback. Instead, they are considering a quarterback who was benched last season and has little interest in being a mentor.

For Green Bay fans, this outcome couldn’t be better. The Vikings’ reluctance to pursue Rodgers might just be the mistake that keeps them from taking the next step—and the Packers will be happy to watch from afar.