The Aaron Rodgers to Vikings Rumors Refuse to Die

Uncertainty Looms Over Minnesota’s Quarterback Situation

Despite widespread reports that the Minnesota Vikings are committed to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, speculation about a possible Aaron Rodgers move to Minnesota remains alive. Various insiders continue to leave the door open, suggesting that McCarthy may still need to prove himself before the Vikings officially close the book on Rodgers.

Dianna Russini Fuels the Speculation

NFL insider Dianna Russini recently shared insights on the Vikings’ internal discussions regarding Rodgers. Speaking on the Scoop City podcast, Russini revealed that the team had serious conversations about bringing Rodgers in but ultimately decided to hold off—at least for now.

“The Minnesota Vikings and Rodgers were in touch over the last week or so. Inside the building, they were having serious conversations about if they even wanted to do this. Rodgers was sitting back, waiting for them to make a decision. In the end, the Minnesota Vikings made a decision to move on from that conversation—for now,” said Russini.

Her comments align with reports from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who stated that the Vikings are no longer actively pursuing Rodgers. However, Pelissero used phrases like “at this time” and “right now,” leaving room for a possible change of course.

Adam Schefter Says Rodgers is Still Waiting

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has echoed similar sentiments, noting that Rodgers remains in limbo, awaiting Minnesota’s next move.

“Nothing’s changed with Minnesota. The same situation. Just waiting on Minnesota, and he’s still waiting on Minnesota until, and if, he signs with a team,” Schefter said.

This suggests that while the Vikings may have moved forward with McCarthy, they have not completely closed the door on the four-time MVP.

Jeremy Fowler Reports the Vikings Have ‘Shelved’ the Idea

Another prominent insider, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, added that the Vikings have essentially put the Rodgers discussion on hold, choosing instead to focus on McCarthy’s development.

“From what I understand, the Vikings essentially shelved the matter,” Fowler said on the Rich Eisen Show. “They discussed it internally, decided let’s go with McCarthy as the QB1 for this spring, make sure he’s all good for the offseason workouts. Maybe if Rodgers is still available later in the spring or summer [they] can revisit, but that seems unlikely at this point.”

McCarthy’s Readiness Remains a Question Mark

The Vikings’ willingness to gamble on McCarthy suggests confidence in his potential. However, Russini pointed out that McCarthy has more to prove before the team can fully commit to him as their long-term solution.

“They must feel confident that [McCarthy] can do the job. They must believe that he is the one. Think about how many decisions have to be made for them to say the guy we traded up for and picked at 10 is the future,” Russini said. “They must feel so sure that his ability, his trajectory is better than any of those other three options (Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Rodgers). That is a gamble, but it’s a gamble they’re willing to take.”

Despite this, she made it clear that the Vikings are keeping their options open.

“There is no in or out on Aaron Rodgers. We’re on pause,” Russini said. “The Vikings need to see more from J.J. McCarthy this spring.”

Can Spring Workouts Prove Anything?

Chase Daniel, a 13-year NFL veteran backup quarterback, weighed in on what McCarthy could realistically prove in spring workouts.

“It’s not real football,” Daniel explained. “Sean Payton, and I’ll always remember this, he said, ‘I could care less what you do in OTAs or even training camp or even anything else. The only thing that matters to me and this organization is how you play between the white lines in a real game.’”

Daniel suggested that McCarthy’s primary goal this spring is to demonstrate that he is fully recovered from his knee injury. McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus on August 10, underwent surgery a few days later, and then had a second procedure—a biologic injection—on November 13. With four months of recovery behind him, McCarthy claims to be ahead of schedule and ready to compete.

Rodgers Remains in the Background

While McCarthy works to prove himself, Rodgers continues to monitor the situation, seemingly waiting for an opportunity.

“He wants to play in Minnesota. The Rams were his first choice. Is he going to be patient enough to say, ‘Alright, I’m willing to take the chance, to roll the dice, that maybe J.J. McCarthy won’t be impressive in the spring and they’ll bring me in?'” Russini speculated.

The situation remains fluid, and unless Rodgers signs elsewhere or the Vikings publicly and definitively shut the door on him, the rumors will persist. Until then, the possibility of seeing Rodgers in purple and gold next season remains an intriguing and unresolved storyline.