The NFL world remains in limbo as quarterback Aaron Rodgers has yet to make a decision about his future for the 2025 season.
Two historic franchises – the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants – are actively courting the 41-year-old veteran, both eager to land him as their starting quarterback.
But while Rodgers weighs his next move, one team he was reportedly watching closely may no longer be in the mix.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported this morning that the Minnesota Vikings have made it clear they’re sticking with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy for now.
“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,” Pelissero posted on X.
Though Minnesota’s stance appeared definitive, a follow-up report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic added a slight wrinkle.
According to Russini, the Vikings will continue to keep an eye on Rodgers, even if a commitment isn’t imminent.
The Vikings will “continue to monitor” Rodgers’ situation, she reported, but are not ready to fully pursue him at this time.
“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,” Russini posted on X.
Still, signs suggest Minnesota is unlikely to become a real contender for the four-time MVP. (And that is welcomed news to the vast majority of the Vikings’ fanbase.)
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, these latest rumblings haven’t prompted any urgency from Rodgers.
Schefter confirmed that the future Hall of Famer remains on his own timeline – regardless of which teams are in or out.
“Nothing related to Minnesota has altered Aaron Rodgers’ timeline. One source monitoring Rodgers’ potential decision about the 2025 season said this morning that the free-agent QB still ‘is in no rush at all,'” Schefter posted on X.
Rodgers, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just four plays into his debut with the New York Jets back in 2023, has kept largely silent about his next move.
At the moment, it appears his realistic options are down to three: joining the Steelers, signing with the Giants, or retiring altogether.
Pittsburgh, perhaps preparing for all outcomes, re-signed quarterback Mason Rudolph earlier this week. Meanwhile, the Giants currently have only one QB under contract – Tommy DeVito – making their interest in Rodgers all the more urgent.
As we all know, Rodgers is no stranger to drawn-out decision-making.
In 2023, he famously embarked on a “darkness retreat” before revealing he intended to play for the Jets. Now, the football world waits to see what twist he has in store this time.
While many fans have grown sick and tired of Rodgers and all of the drama that comes with him, he remains one of the biggest lightning-rods in all of sports.
Assuming the reports are correct, we may have to wait a bit longer to get an official decision from Rodgers.
What are your thoughts on the whole situation? … When it’s all said and done, where do you think he will end up???
