Aaron Rodgers Rumors: Vikings 'Seriously Discussing' QB Despite J.J. McCarthy Buzz

Even though the Minnesota Vikings used the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft to select J.J. McCarthy with the goal of making him their quarterback of the future, the possibility of adding Aaron Rodgers could alter their plans.

On the latest episode of the Scoop City podcast, The Athletic's Dianna Russini explained the Vikings are "seriously discussing" the idea of signing Rodgers in free agency.

Minnesota has been a surprise addition to the Rodgers' sweepstakes, which seemed likely to come down to the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.

There's no indication at this point that the Vikings have made a formal offer to Rodgers.

Russini said on Thursday's episode of GoJo and Golic that Pittsburgh and New York have discussed contracts with Rodgers' camp, with the Vikings said to be "lurking" in the shadows, but no one has had a lot of direct contact with Rodgers himself.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said on Thursday's episode of The Dan Patrick Show it's "highly likely" that McCarthy is the Vikings' starting quarterback in 2025, but the team could pursue backup options to give themselves depth at the position.

Minnesota's moves thus far in free agency indicate a team that is ready to take advantage of having a quarterback on a rookie contract.

Per Spotrac, the Vikings have given out the second-most total money ($252 million) and third-most total guaranteed money ($93 million) among all teams in free agency.

Their additions include guard Will Fries (five years, $88 million), Jonathan Allen (three years, $51 million) and Javon Hargrave (two years, $30 million). They also kept Bryon Murphy on a three-year, $54 million deal.

The Vikings still have more than enough cap space to bring in Rodgers if they want. They're currently $41.4 million under the cap.

Rodgers could offer more certainty than McCarthy, simply because we have no idea what the latter is going to look like as an NFL player. His rookie season ended after suffering a torn meniscus in Minnesota's preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Aug. 10.

Even though Rodgers is no longer the same caliber of quarterback he was at his peak with the Green Bay Packers, there were some glimmers last season with the New York Jets that he can still be a good starter.

Rodgers ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in passing yards (3,897) and passing touchdowns (28) during the 2024 campaign.

The Vikings' 14-3 record was tied with the Philadelphia Eagles for the second-best in the NFC last season. Their season ended with a 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round.