The Aaron Rodgers saga seems never-ending, but now time is working against the legendary NFL quarterback. The former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets star still hasn’t given the Pittsburgh Steelers an answer, as they continue to wait for him, while the Minnesota Vikings appear to have shut the door.
Just days before the NFL Draft, it was leaked that Aaron Rodgers had proposed a one-year project to the Minnesota Vikings, which involved making a Super Bowl run next season and, more importantly, mentoring J.J. McCarthy as the franchise’s next quarterback. But that plan seems to be off the table, and Rodgers will either have to say yes to the Steelers or seriously consider retirement.
The Vikings Likely to Start J.J. McCarthy
Kevin O’Connell, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, hasn’t officially named J.J. McCarthy as the starting quarterback, but all indications point to that outcome. The former Michigan Wolverines QB was injured during last year’s preseason but is now fully healthy.
“J.J. is going to be in a great position to step in and rise within our organization,” O’Connell said on The Rich Eisen Show. “But right now, we don’t really feel like there’s a competition – rather, as coaches we have a duty to put our players in a position to face that competitive phase. Sam [Howell] will be a part of it. But we need to prepare Sam to play. We need to prepare Brett Rypien to play. . . . I’m excited about our quarterback group, but now it’s our job to coach them.”
Last year, McCarthy was competing with Sam Darnold, but Darnold tore the meniscus in his right knee. After a strong season, Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, and now it seems McCarthy has a clear path, as the idea of Aaron Rodgers joining the franchise has been gradually fading away.
On another note, the Vikings’ head coach highlighted McCarthy’s impressive growth, especially in terms of leadership.
“Yes, he’s off to a great start in his offseason program,” said O’Connell. “Even before the injury, the path he was on… This kid came here with an incredible amount of energy and enthusiasm since last year.”
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