After keeping NFL teams waiting for weeks while he decides on his future, Aaron Rodgers’ options appear to be thinning out. With the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers believed to have offered deals to the legendary quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings remained a potential third option.
That possibility appears to be off the table, though, after NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Vikings are not interested.
J.J. McCarthy To Lead the Vikings in 2025
After J.J. McCarthy was selected 10th overall by Minnesota in the 2024 NFL Draft, many expected the former Michigan quarterback to become the team’s immediate starter. But after suffering a torn meniscus in his first preseason game, McCarthy missed his entire rookie year.
That opened the door for Sam Darnold, who revived his career by leading the team to the playoffs, earning a deal with the Seattle Seahawks for 2025. With Darnold gone, Minnesota’s QB situation was unclear. McCarthy remained the long-term option, but was he ready to start in 2025?
That question became clearer after Pelissero reported that the Vikings plan to enter the 2025 season with McCarthy as their starter. While the report also acknowledged Minnesota’s desire to sign a veteran QB, it ruled out Rodgers as a target.
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… pic.twitter.com/oPf6DIvQpj
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)
With the Vikings out of the mix for the Green Bay Packers legend, there appear to be just two options remaining.
The #Vikings continue to explore multiple options for a veteran QB addition, whether through free agency or a trade.
Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers’ options are now focused on the #Steelers and #Giants. https://t.co/gvnyGyDTzp
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero)
Both the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers will now hope that the Vikings’ decision speeds up Rodgers’ timeline, as they need an answer sooner rather than later.
Aaron Rodgers To Choose Between Giants and Steelers, Vikings To Sign Veteran QB
If Rodgers intends to play in 2025, his decision now comes down to New York or Pittsburgh. Both franchises are believed to have made offers, but the four-time MVP has frustrated them by seemingly disappearing from discussions.
Both teams have already begun preparing for a future without Rodgers. The Giants have met with Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Jameis Winston. They also hold the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, giving them the option to draft a young quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Steelers have met with Alabama prospect Jalen Milroe ahead of his pro day.
Pittsburgh will pick 21st in the draft, putting them out of reach for the top two quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Jaxson Dart is widely considered the third-best QB in the class and could fall to Pittsburgh at 21. However, relying on him to start immediately in September is a scenario the team would likely prefer to avoid.
The Steelers may have also alienated Wilson by pursuing other quarterbacks after he helped them reach the playoffs last season. If he’s lost interest, Rodgers might be Pittsburgh’s last chance to sign a veteran starter.
While the Vikings are not pursuing Rodgers, they could still be impacted by his decision. Many veteran quarterbacks are waiting to see if they’ll be offered a starting job, meaning Minnesota may also have to wait before securing their backup.
For now, the wait continues.
