Report: Aaron Rodgers Not Being Pursued by Vikings; J.J. McCarthy Trade Calls Rejected

There appears to finally be some clarity at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, and their plan doesn't seem to include Aaron Rodgers.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Vikings have told teams calling about J.J. McCarthy they aren't trading him and plan to move forward with him as their starter.

Pelissero added that Minnesota is exploring veteran quarterback options, either via trade or free agency, but Rodgers is not being pursued by the team.

Per ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Rodgers is described as having a "non-zero" chance of being signed by the Vikings in part because head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't necessarily looking to upend their plans to give the ball to McCarthy.

Seifert also pointed out the Vikings have spent $245.5 million in free agency, which would seem to be an indication they want to operate on a timeline with a rookie quarterback whose cap hits are under $7 million in each of the next three seasons.

Rodgers seemed to be holding out hope that Minnesota would be an option for him.

The Athletic's Michael Silver, Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis reported on Saturday the Vikings are Rodgers' preferred landing spot, but the decision was ultimately up to head coach Kevin O'Connell about what Minnesota would do.

With the Vikings now appearing to be out of the running, Rodgers' landing spots are down to the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Giants. Both teams reportedly have standing offers out to the four-time NFL MVP.

The Athletic's report did note there's a possibility Rodgers could elect to retire rather than sign with the Steelers or Giants.

From Rodgers' perspective, it's easy to see why he would want to go to Minnesota if it was an option. Sam Darnold just revived his career by having his best season in a quarterback-friendly environment with the Vikings in 2024.

For the Vikings, it's not unreasonable to assume that McCarthy would have been their starter last season if he didn't suffer a torn meniscus in the preseason that ended his rookie campaign prematurely.

Minnesota has a lot invested in McCarthy becoming at least a quality starting quarterback. He was the No. 10 pick in the 2024 draft after a successful three-year stint at Michigan that culminated with a national title.

Even with some development needed because the Michigan offense didn't ask him to do much, the upside for McCarthy at this point is higher than what Rodgers could offer at the age of 41.

Now, it seems McCarthy will enter training camp this summer with the opportunity to prove it to the Vikings as their No. 1 quarterback.