Aaron Rodgers’ time with the New York Jets didn’t exactly go as planned. After an Achilles injury sidelined him for nearly all of his debut season, he returned in 2024 only for the team to struggle to a 5-12 record. With the Jets moving on under a new regime, Rodgers’ next destination is now a hot topic.
The Minnesota Vikings have entered the conversation, especially with Sam Darnold expected to sign with the Seahawks. That leaves Minnesota in need of a veteran quarterback, and Rodgers’ name has surfaced as a potential fit.
Sauce Gardner’s take: Rodgers could put up massive numbers
Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner chimed in on the rumors, making a bold statement on social media:
“If Aaron goes to the Vikings, he might be #1 in all QB stats,” Gardner posted on X.
That’s a big endorsement, but is he wrong? On paper, Rodgers would be stepping into one of the league’s most explosive offenses. With elite playmakers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota has the weapons to maximize a quarterback of Rodgers’ caliber.
Kevin O’Connell, one of the league’s sharpest offensive minds, could also be a major factor. The Vikings coach helped Kirk Cousins put up career-best numbers and got solid play out of backups last season. Rodgers, even at 41, could thrive in a system designed to elevate quarterbacks.
How would Rodgers affect the Vikings’ plans for J.J. McCarthy?
There’s another wrinkle to consider: J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings drafted him 10th overall last year, but his future as the team’s starter is uncertain after missing his entire rookie season due to injury. If Rodgers were to sign in Minnesota, would he be a bridge quarterback for McCarthy, or would he take over for the foreseeable future?
That’s the dilemma for the Vikings’ front office. Sitting McCarthy for another year could allow him to develop under one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. But if they believe McCarthy is ready, adding Rodgers could create unnecessary tension.
A familiar storyline? Rodgers would be following in Brett Favre’s footsteps
If Rodgers were to land in Minnesota, it would be hard to ignore the parallels to Brett Favre’s career arc. Favre went from Green Bay to the Jets before joining the Vikings and leading them to an NFC Championship appearance. Could history repeat itself?
Rodgers’ numbers last season suggest he still has plenty left in the tank. Over his final 10 games, he threw for 2,234 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. With a solid offensive line and elite receivers, it’s easy to see why Gardner believes Rodgers could light up the stat sheet in Minnesota.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes are on where Rodgers will end up. If he does land in Minnesota, Sauce Gardner’s bold take could end up looking pretty spot on.
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