The Minnesota Vikings appear fully committed to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback for the 2025 NFL season – despite multiple teams testing their resolve.
With veteran signal-callers Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Nick Mullens all departing in free agency, McCarthy currently stands as the lone quarterback on Minnesota’s depth chart.
And while other teams across the league have made trade inquiries about the former first-round pick, the Vikings have made it clear: McCarthy isn’t going anywhere.
“The Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on J.J. McCarthy, telling other teams they’re moving forward with him as their quarterback, sources say. The team plans to add a veteran. But they’re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time. McCarthy now enters the offseason as QB1.” Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported on X.
Minnesota selected McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, viewing him as their long-term solution under center.
However, his rookie season was cut short before it began after suffering a meniscus injury in August.
That opened the door for Darnold to take the reins in 2024, complicating the quarterback situation – until Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason.
Now, with the depth chart cleared, McCarthy has a prime opportunity to seize the starting role. Despite the injury setback, the organization’s vision for McCarthy as the franchise quarterback hasn’t wavered.
Though Minnesota intends to bring in a veteran to bolster the quarterback room and provide mentorship and/or insurance, reports indicate that they are steering clear of one of the biggest names on the market.
Despite some speculation linking the Vikings to Aaron Rodgers, Pelissero notes, “they’re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time.”
However, not all NFL insiders are convinced that Minnesota has 100% moved on from the Rodgers race.
“The Vikings have strongly considered and will continue to monitor Aaron Rodgers as an option, but they’re not ready to commit at this point in the offseason, per sources. They understand this could lead to him signing elsewhere or retiring. J.J. McCarthy’s spring will be key,” Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on X.
While several NFL insiders stand firm that Rodgers’ realistic options are down to the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, some – including Russini – claim that the Vikings shouldn’t be counted out just yet.
What are your thoughts on the dramatic Rodgers situation?
At the end of the day, where do you think he will end up???
