Even Aaron Rodgers himself isn’t sure if his NFL career is finished or if he’ll make one last comeback. The 22-year veteran is taking his time to decide, while the Steelers try to persuade him to return, and a new team is eyeing him.
At 42, Rodgers had a standout season in Pittsburgh. He led the team to the playoffs after finishing first in the AFC North with a 10-7 record.
Despite ultimately losing to the Houston Texans 30-6 in the wild-card round, A-Rod’s regular-season numbers were enough to fuel speculation about a potential 23rd season:
- 327 of 498 completions
- 65% completion rate
- 3,322 yards
- 24 touchdowns
- 7 interceptions
- 94.8 passer rating
Now, it remains to be seen if Rodgers decides to return and, if so, who will secure his services: the Steelers or the Minnesota Vikings.
O’Connell is interested in acquiring Rodgers
On this week’s episode of Get Up, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the Vikings had considered Rodgers as their starting quarterback last year while developing the young J.J. McCarthy.
“There were some people in the building that wanted Aaron Rodgers last year,” Fowler revealed. “He wanted Minnesota. The GM, who is now gone, they have to fill that spot.”
Now, Fowler said, much will depend on head coach Kevin O’Connell’s plans and what Minnesota acquires in free agency.
“Kevin O’Connell has a lot of influence over there,” Fowler noted. “If they strike out with other options and absolutely need a bridge, and they develop J.J. [McCarthy], do you go with Rodgers?”
McCarthy hasn’t lived up to Minnesota’s expectations
J.J. McCarthy entered the NFL as the 10th overall pick in the 2024 Draft. However, after a preseason meniscus injury, he was placed on injured reserve and missed the entire year.
His sophomore year wasn’t much better. Although he returned in time for the start of the season, a new injury sidelined him from Week 3 to Week 9.
Despite McCarthy’s solid performance, the team finished with a 9-8 record, missing the playoffs and raising serious doubts about his continued role as the starting quarterback.
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