This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to train endurance whereas ready for Aaron Rodgers. It took some time, however finally, he signed with them. Nevertheless, earlier than that occurred, there have been rumors that Rodgers needed to affix the Minnesota Vikings. Not too long ago, ESPN insider Adam Schefter supplied some particulars on how shut a deal between Rodgers and the Vikings was to being finalized.
“By no means obtained that shut,” Schefter stated Wednesday on the radio present Rothman and Ice. “There’s plenty of perception in that constructing [in J.J. McCarthy]. There have been conversations with Rodgers; they by no means obtained overly critical. I believe the curiosity was extra on Aaron’s facet.
“He acknowledged the kind of workforce the Vikings have, the kind of coaches they’ve, the forms of gamers, receivers, they’ve, and I believe that will’ve been interesting to him. However the Vikings, they need someone to enhance J.J., to push J.J., and I believe in the event you herald Aaron, with all due respect, someone like that’s in all probability threatening to J.J., and that’s not what you’re making an attempt to do.”
After signing with the Steelers, Rodgers confirmed that he talked to different groups whereas he was a free agent. It feels very possible that the Vikings had been a kind of groups. Like Schefter says, that was in all probability a fascinating vacation spot for Rodgers.
Final yr, with Sam Darnold beginning below heart, the Vikings went 14-3. They had been top-of-the-line groups within the league, and Rodgers may’ve been an improve over Darnold. The Vikings have an enormous array of weapons on offense, together with Justin Jefferson, arguably the most effective vast receiver within the NFL.
Nevertheless, the Vikings are clearly dedicated to McCarthy, whom they drafted with the tenth general choose within the 2024 NFL Draft. Sadly, McCarthy didn’t play throughout his rookie season because of damage. That didn’t shake Minnesota’s religion in him, although. They opted to stay with him relatively than signal Rodgers. Whereas Rodgers is perhaps higher than McCarthy now, this transfer may repay in the long term for the Vikings.
If the Vikings had been extra keen on Rodgers, it could’ve been fascinating to see if he would’ve picked them over the Steelers. For a veteran quarterback, they seem like a greater vacation spot. Rodgers additionally would’ve been again within the NFC North, the place he spent the vast majority of his profession.
Rodgers has the possibility to get some revenge on the Vikings, although. The Steelers will play them in Week 4 this yr. That ought to give Rodgers an opportunity to show to them firsthand that they need to’ve picked him over McCarthy. He’s had some nice battles with the Vikings through the years, and this yr, he can add one chapter to that a part of his profession.
