Rodgers Eyes Vikings as Free Agency Decision Looms
Aaron Rodgers has officially entered uncharted territory in his storied NFL career. For the first time in 20 years, the four-time MVP quarterback is a free agent, able to choose his next destination after the New York Jets released him at the start of the new league year. While multiple teams have expressed interest, reports indicate Rodgers may be eyeing a move that would mirror Brett Favre’s career trajectory in an unexpected way.
The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as Rodgers’ preferred landing spot, according to The Athletic, though the decision ultimately rests with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, whose opinion will likely determine whether the team pursues the veteran signal-caller. This potential pairing would create a fascinating full-circle moment in NFL quarterback history.
Vikings Situation Creates Intriguing Opportunity
Minnesota’s quarterback room currently features 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, who missed his entire rookie season after undergoing two knee surgeries. The team recently lost Sam Darnold, who experienced a career renaissance in Minnesota last season before signing a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency.
This quarterback vacancy creates a potential opportunity for Rodgers, though it’s unclear whether O’Connell envisions the 41-year-old quarterback as the right mentor for McCarthy or if he prefers to pursue other options. The Vikings’ decision will significantly impact the remaining quarterback market, with several teams still seeking solutions under center.
If Rodgers were to join Minnesota, he would complete the same three-team career path as Brett Favre, who finished his Hall of Fame career with stints with the Jets and Vikings after 16 seasons in Green Bay. Rodgers, who spent 18 years with the Packers before joining the Jets, now appears interested in following his predecessor’s footsteps entirely.
With a big decision on deck for free agent QB Aaron Rodgers, it appears #Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell holds the cards in his potential signing:https://t.co/C65xhPzwsJ
— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) March 15, 2025
Multiple Teams Await Rodgers’ Decision
While Rodgers contemplates his options, several quarterback-needy teams remain in a holding pattern. The New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers have both expressed interest in the future Hall of Famer, according to NFL.com, with Pittsburgh’s interest intensifying after Justin Fields chose to sign with the Jets.
The Giants, who share MetLife Stadium with Rodgers’ former team, have been actively exploring veteran quarterback options. New York has met with both Russell Wilson and Joe Flacco in recent days, as reported by the New York Post, suggesting they’re preparing contingency plans while awaiting Rodgers’ decision.
Pittsburgh presents another intriguing option for Rodgers. The Steelers have made it clear they’re seeking a veteran presence who can elevate their offense beyond the first-round playoff exit that has become an all-too-familiar outcome in recent seasons. With Fields choosing the Jets, Pittsburgh’s need for a starting-caliber quarterback has only increased.
Why Giants Need to Exit Gracefully from the Aaron Rodgers Waiting Game
— Camila Sanders (@CamilaSand33719) March 16, 2025
The Aaron Rodgers waiting game is a ticking time bomb. It's high-stakes chess that no team – especially the Giants – wants to play ♟️🤕 It needs to come to an end soon, before the…https://t.co/bxJp4ygAbR
Evaluating Rodgers’ Recent Performance
Any team considering Rodgers must weigh his recent injury history and performance against his Hall of Fame pedigree. After missing virtually all of the 2023 season with a torn Achilles suffered just four snaps into his Jets tenure, Rodgers returned in 2024 to mixed results.
The Jets went 5-12 with Rodgers under center last season, though he did manage to throw for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. While these numbers don’t match his MVP-caliber seasons in Green Bay, they demonstrate he remains capable of high-level quarterback play when healthy.
At 41 years old, Rodgers would be among the oldest starting quarterbacks in NFL history should he secure a starting role for the 2025 season. His decision will likely prioritize a situation where he can compete immediately, rather than serving as a bridge to a younger quarterback.
Timing Remains Uncertain
While Rodgers is now officially a free agent, there’s no clear timeline for his decision. The Jets designated him as a post-June 1 release for salary cap purposes, but he’s immediately eligible to sign with any team.
As teams continue filling roster holes through free agency and prepare for next month’s NFL Draft, the pressure on both Rodgers and quarterback-needy teams will increase to reach a resolution. With OTAs and offseason programs approaching, integrating a new quarterback becomes more challenging with each passing week.
After two decades in the NFL, Rodgers now finds himself in a position of unprecedented career freedom. His decision could reshape the 2025 playoff picture and potentially provide the final chapter to one of the most accomplished quarterback careers in league history.
