Sam Darnold led a remarkable career comeback with the Minnesota Vikings last season but fell short in the postseason. The Vikings let Darnold walk in free agency, and he went on to sign a massive $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
Minnesota also let Daniel Jones and Nick Mullens walk in free agency, leaving J.J. McCarthy as their only quarterback. With more than $40 million in cap space, the Vikings are reportedly showing interest in four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers to the Minnesota Vikings?
According to The Athletic’s Diana Russini, Minnesota is considering Rodgers as a potential option under center. While the Vikings have made several free-agent signings, Russini reported they are still evaluating their choices, including Rodgers.
Rodgers is also on the radar of the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, but Russini said the 41-year-old veteran is intrigued by the idea of playing in Minnesota.
“Vikings decision-makers are still evaluating their options at quarterback, including the possibility of signing Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP is intrigued by the idea of playing in Minnesota. For now, it’s a waiting game, sources tell @mikesilver and me.”
Vikings decision-makers are still evaluating their options at quarterback, including the possibility of signing Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP is intrigued by the idea of playing in Minnesota. For now, it’s a waiting game, sources tell @mikesilver and me. pic.twitter.com/CK2UqzL596
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 12, 2025
If Rodgers lands in Minnesota, it would be an intriguing storyline. The 20-year vet would complete a Brett Favre-esque career arc, but would this be the right move for the Vikings?
Favre spent over a decade with the Packers, won a Super Bowl, then played one season with the Jets before finishing his career with the Vikings.
Minnesota drafted McCarthy 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. While he was trending toward the starting job, he tore his meniscus in the preseason opener. He’s expected to return this spring.
There’s precedent for an aging veteran thriving in Minnesota after struggling in New York. Favre had an All-Pro season, leading the Vikings to a 12-4 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance. Rodgers can create a similar storyline in 2025, potentially leading Minnesota for a year before handing the job to McCarthy.
Rodgers’ 2024 Season
Rodgers finished 21st in PFSN’s QB+ metric with a 72.2 (C-) grade. He posted a -0.02 EPA per dropback (27th), ranked 36th from a clean pocket (0.07 EPA per dropback), and converted just 33.5% of third downs (29th). His 6.2 net yards per attempt ranked 30th, despite benefiting from 5.8 yards after catch per completion, which ranked ninth.
These numbers were actually an improvement over his last full season in 2022 with the Green Bay Packers, when he graded out at 68.0 (D+).
Beyond the QB+ numbers, Rodgers had a 2.5 touchdown-to-interception ratio, his third-worst in 16 seasons as a starter, behind only 2022 and 2008. His 4.8% touchdown rate was also his third-lowest as a starter.
Rodgers averaged just 0.07 EPA per dropback from clean pockets, ranking 35th out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks, ahead of only Will Levis. One issue was Rodgers’ hesitancy to hold the ball—he posted the sixth-fastest average time to throw in 2024 (2.59 seconds).
Despite those struggles, the Super Bowl champion still finished the season with 3,897 passing yards (eighth in the league), 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.