Kevin Safert
The Minnesota Vikings have overcome discussions with free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and sophomore player JJ McCarthy remains on the quarterback depth chart as an offseason practice approach, sources told ESPN.
The Vikings spent most of the week taking into account their options after revealing that Rodgers liked to sign with the team, sources said. Internal deliberations escalated after 2024 starter Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and free agent Daniel Jones.
Minnesota is receiving McCarthy’s trade benefits, but has rejected those inquiries, sources told ESPN, reviewing the NFL Network Report.
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McCarthy recovered from surgery in August and repaired a torn meniscus in his right knee. This is the injury that was selected in the first round and became the first quarterback in a modern draft era who missed out on his entire rookie season due to injuries. Signing up for the Rodgers would have added a future Hall of Fame quarterback to a team that won 14 games last season, pushing McCarthy’s timetable for the 2026 season.
Instead, the Vikings are planning to give McCarthy an OTA practice and a snap of the first team during the minicamp, sources said. If McCarthy was rehearsed or showed the need for increased development times, the Vikings could revisit the discussion with Rogers before the start of training camp, if they had not signed elsewhere.
Sources explained the possibility that Rodgers could join the team as “non-zero,” but sources argue that manager Kevin O’Connell could promote McCarthy’s organizational plan, which O’Connell called “franchise quarterback.”
Most of the Vikings’ moves this offseason imply an intention to move forward with McCarthy, including the decision not to use franchise tags at Darnold. The Vikings committed more than $300 million to players during their free agent period, NFL High, in anticipation of building around McCarthy’s rookie contract.
The Vikings will need to continue working to find a backup for McCarthy veteran, as multiple candidates have signed elsewhere while the Vikings discuss Rogers. Veteran Brett Lipien is the only other quarterback on the roster. Possibility includes veterans Joe Fraco and Carson Wentz. Former Vikings starter Kirk Cousins is currently a backup with the Atlanta Falcons and could be available later this offseason.
