The Minnesota Vikings have an uncertain offseason ahead, especially at the quarterback position.
J.J. McCarthy didn’t live up to expectations in 2025, as the Michigan product struggled with injuries and was incredibly inconsistent on the field. The 23-year-old tossed 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions in 10 starts this season.
Moving on from McCarthy after his first year of NFL action, as he missed his entire rookie campaign with a right meniscus tear. However, YardBarker’s Seth Trachtman predicts that Minnesota will replace McCarthy as the starter with Pittsburgh Steelers free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Here is what Trachtman said about Rodgers and his potential fit in Minnesota:
“There was plenty of speculation that Rodgers was in the final season of his career with Pittsburgh, but a relatively successful year could give him the drive to play one more campaign. Minnesota appears to be a fit after J.J. McCarthy’s struggles, as Rodgers could work with the team’s elite wideouts and help develop McCarthy in the process.”
The Vikings had interest in adding Rodgers last offseason, but passed on signing him.
Rodgers went on to sign with the Steelers, leading Pittsburgh to an AFC North title while throwing 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 65% completion rate.
Though Rodgers is no longer an elite quarterback, the 42-year-old is still a solid starter. Minnesota could add Rodgers to serve as the bridge starter in 2026 while developing McCarthy for another run later on.
Additionally, Rodgers won’t cost too much to sign, and with the Vikings slated ot be $40 million under the cap, they need a cheap quarterback option.
Minnesota shouldn’t give up on McCarthy yet, but letting him develop and learn from Rodgers for a year would be a logical move for all parties. Rodgers would give the Vikings a better chance to win in 2026.
