This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to train persistence whereas ready for Aaron Rodgers. It took some time, however ultimately, he signed with them. Nevertheless, earlier than that occurred, there have been rumors that Rodgers needed to affix the Minnesota Vikings. Lately, ESPN insider Adam Schefter offered some particulars on how shut a deal between Rodgers and the Vikings was to being finalized.
“By no means obtained that shut,” Schefter mentioned Wednesday on the radio present Rothman and Ice. “There’s lots of perception in that constructing [in J.J. McCarthy]. There have been conversations with Rodgers; they by no means obtained overly critical. I feel the curiosity was extra on Aaron’s facet.
“He acknowledged the kind of crew the Vikings have, the kind of coaches they’ve, the kinds of gamers, receivers, they’ve, and I feel that might’ve been interesting to him. However the Vikings, they need someone to enhance J.J., to push J.J., and I feel if you happen to usher in Aaron, with all due respect, someone like that’s most likely threatening to J.J., and that’s not what you’re attempting to do.”
After signing with the Steelers, Rodgers confirmed that he talked to different groups whereas he was a free agent. It feels very probably that the Vikings have been a type of groups. Like Schefter says, that was most likely a fascinating vacation spot for Rodgers.
Final yr, with Sam Darnold beginning below heart, the Vikings went 14-3. They have been among the finest groups within the league, and Rodgers might’ve been an improve over Darnold. The Vikings have an enormous array of weapons on offense, together with Justin Jefferson, arguably one of the best broad 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 harm. That didn’t shake Minnesota’s religion in him, although. They opted to stay with him slightly than signal Rodgers. Whereas Rodgers is perhaps higher than McCarthy now, this transfer might repay in the long term for the Vikings.
If the Vikings have been extra serious about Rodgers, it could’ve been attention-grabbing to see if he would’ve picked them over the Steelers. For a veteran quarterback, they appear to be 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.
