Now working through the concussion protocol and unlikely to play on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, it’s the Max Brosmer show. Short of the former Minnesota Gophers quarterback playing lights out, a new direction will probably will be needed next year.

That new direction might just wind up being a chance to right the wrong of their 2025 offseason.

Daniel Jones on the Vikings radar

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings brought Daniel Jones in after he was cut loose by the New York Giants. He learned a ton, and after the year the team wanted him back. He wasn’t going to start though, and that made his decision easy. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says that Minnesota might be looking to reverse course in 2026.

A few people inside the league I’ve spoken to wonder whether Minnesota can follow the Colts’ blueprint from this past offseason, bringing in a veteran/reclamation project to compete with McCarthy and potentially start — similar to Daniel Jones vs. Anthony Richardson Sr. in Indy.

The funny thing about that scenario is Jones would be an ideal fit in Minnesota, where he backed up Sam Darnold last season. But as the top free agent quarterback, he will score a sizable deal in Indianapolis or elsewhere. Still, the Vikings really liked Jones, and their situation this offseason will be far different than the one from a year ago. Making a play for Jones would give him multiple options to consider.

Jeremy Fowler – ESPN

Rather than being 4-7, the Minnesota Vikings could have been a competitive team had they simply told Jones he was going to be the guy. In that scenario, McCarthy would have needed to beat out a veteran after spending his entire rookie season injured while getting zero reps.

It always seemed logical that Jones could thrive in an ideal environment, which is what Minnesota presented for 14-game winner Sam Darnold. Now in a good environment, Jones has the Colts owning an 8-3 record with a 69.1 completion rate and a 17/7 TD/INT.

Minnesota got cute thinking they had the perfect plan for McCarthy, while both quarterbacks they already employed were more perfect answers for them. Darnold’s payday didn’t need to be met, but Jones was definitely the right answer. Maybe they’ll fix the problem next season.

Not just Jones or bust for Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings spent a boatload of money this offseason. The intention was for the roster to win immediately. Unfortunately the problem was that McCarthy was never positioned to get them there. Fowler sees other stopgap quarterbacks capable of stopping a long term rebuild too.

Rodgers wanted to be a Viking last year and will also be a free agent, and the Vikings kept tabs on Joe Flacco’s free agency last spring, and he has been effective for multiple teams in recent years. He could be a sensible fallback plan. Arizona’s Kyler Murray could become available should the Cardinals decide to start fresh at the position, too. His chances to play again this season are seemingly becoming slimmer by the week.

Jeremy Fowler – ESPN

It’d be disappointing to see the answer be Joe Flacco, even though he’s currently unquestionably better than McCarthy despite battling Father Time. Aaron Rodgers tried to will his way into purple, and that could be a reality next year again. Kyler Murray would be among the most expensive options, but he too is a step up.

Regardless, Kevin O’Connell took a hit to his reputation this season by tying his wagon to a quarterback he couldn’t elevate. There won’t be much of an appetite to miss again.

Fast forward to where they are now and J.J. McCarthy has been a historically terrible quarterback. He’s now been diagnosed with a concussion, and is very likely to miss Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. University of Minnesota’s former stud Max Brosmer may fill in the rest of the way, but next season is far less certain.

Kevin O’Connell orchestrated a 14-win season with a veteran last year, and Aaron Rodgers could be the ticket to a turnaround in 2026.

A MN Vikings uniform for Aaron Rodgers after all?

It was painfully obvious that Aaron Rodgers wanted to play for the Minnesota Vikings last offseason. Someone with his talent, and the weapons around him, was something fun to dream on. Former teammate Kurt Benkert hopped on with Kay Adams today, and isn’t sold that the dream is dead.

Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings 2026?

Former teammate Kurt Benkert on the future of the 4x MVP@KurtBenkert | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/gQc14ILEfz

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) November 25, 2025

“Maybe he goes to Minnesota for his last hurrah, who knows. I think there’s so many quarterback needy times right now. You’re seeing it all across the league. He’s still playing at a really good level. He’s not playing bad by any means. The Vikings would probably love to see Aaron there right now, especially on the deal that he took. I think it could have looked very similar to what [Matthew] Stafford is doing. Not to that extent, but an efficient style, really good in the red zone. Justin Jefferson would have eaten a lot more than he is right now. Kevin O’Connell, how he calls plays, he needs a guy like Aaron that’s consistent with his feet, pinpoint accuracy. I think the Vikings are missing that with McCarthy right now.”

Kurt Benkert – Up and Adams

Through ten games with the Steelers this season, Aaron Rodgers has gone 6-4. He missed last week’s contest with an injury, and the team is now 6-5 overall. Rodgers is completing 66.4% of his passes, and he has 19 touchdowns to just seven interceptions.

Rodgers has been named to ten Pro Bowl’s, is a four-time MVP, and has a Super Bowl ring. Even at 41 years old, and with his baggage, it’s impossible to argue that the Minnesota Vikings wouldn’t have been better off with him under center this season.

Meanwhile, McCarthy has played in just six games and has picked up three more injuries. His 54.1% completion rate very bad, and his 6/10 TD/INT ratio isn’t impressive either. There’s athleticism to work with, but so many of the mechanics are broken that it’s difficult to see his future being bright, as of right now.

Justin Jefferson is already disappointed in how his year is being wasted. There’s not going to be an appetite for that to repeat itself in 2026. Minnesota needs to fix the quarterback position, and Rodgers could represent an immediate answer.

Entering week 4, the Vikings feel much better about their football team than they did this time last week. Carson Wentz now has a full start under his purple and gold belt, and Minnesota’s injury problems aren’t nearly as devastating as they were in weeks 1-3.

Questions surround Vikings and Steelers entering week 4 international matchup

Nonetheless, there are a lot of questions that still surround this team. And let’s be real, their health issues are far from swept under the rug. Yes, the offensive line now has Christian Darrisaw and Ryan Kelly back. But it will not have starting left guard, Donovan Jackson.

Defensively, the Vikings looked much better in week 3, with Harrison Smith and Andrew Van Ginkel back on the field, but the ladder is questionable again, after not practicing Wednesday due to a neck injury.

The Minnesota Vikings now go as Carson Wentz goes. And while the 32-year-old veteran did make the offense look competent against the Bengals, he was far from spectacular, completing 70% of his passes, while taking three sacks and throwing for only 173 yards.

Wentz’ QB Rating was 129.8 but his QBR was much less impressive, at 34.8 (out of 100). Of course, getting Jordan Addison back from suspension should help, as will the return of Kelly, who played center for Wentz when he started for the 2021 Colts.

ESPN expects Minnesota Vikings to Destroy Pittsburgh Steelers

And if MN Vikings fans need even more feel good juice heading into Thursday evening, they should watch back some of ESPN’s Get Up from earlier in the day. Because the Vikings’ problems were the least of anybody’s concerns on that show, this morning.

The only team the Get Up cast — which includes former NFL players like Dan Orlovsky, Andrew Hawkins and Will Compton — was worried about in Dublin was the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, ever panelist on the show is bracing for a Vikings blowout of the Steelers Sunday across the pond.

The entire @GetUpESPN crew is bracing for a blowout in Dublin Sunday morning between the Vikings and Steelers… 👀👀

Orlovsky: "There are a couple of games I could see getting out of hand this weekend. This is one of them." pic.twitter.com/pLuZJuwkcS

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) September 25, 2025

Orlovsky: “[The Steelers] are not going to be able to run the ball against this defense, OK? This offensive run game is not good. If they don’t have success in [the short pass game], this is going to be an ugly morning Sunday morning in Dublin.”

Compton: “It’s not a question of, you know, if [the Steelers] defense will wake up. Like, they have to wake up, like that is where all the money was spent…What are they going to do offensively? They’re like, what, 31st in the league running the football. DK Metcalf came over there and he doesn’t seem to get any separation unless he can just accelerate downfield…I just don’t see what they’re gonna do offensively against the Vikings.”

Campbell: “They’re not great at running the football and down the field it’s like when Aaron Rodgers is in the pocket, he is affected by pressure for whatever reason and it’s just not typical of what we see from him. You’re going against a Brian Flores defense with those exotic pressures, it could get ugly.”

Greenie: “[The Steelers] look old and they look slow, and I’m not talking about their 41 year old quarterback.”

ESPN Get Up – Thursday, September 25

The Get Up crew is worried about the Pittsburgh Steelers on both sides of the ball against the Minnesota Vikings. By the sounds of it, they believe it could be up to Aaron Rodgers to carry the Steelers to victory, if they cannot get better in the run game and on defense.

MN Vikings a bad matchup for Steelers?

If that is indeed how the morning (CDT) plays out, the “home team” in Dublin will be in trouble. That’s especially the case if Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) — who picked Aaron Rodgers off for a touchdown last year in London — is able to play.

"Saw one guy, stiff armed him, took it to the house"

We got Andrew Van Ginkel to break down his incredible @Vikings pick six of Aaron Rodgers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2024 👏 pic.twitter.com/Ao27i99zvB

— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) April 4, 2025

The only way Pittsburgh will be able to move the ball offensively is if they can move the ball on the ground. So far, that has not been something they’ve been very good at. As Orlovsky points out, the Steelers have been out-rushed by 230 yards through three games this season.

Pittsburgh’s offense also ranks 31st in yards per carry. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings rank 9th in YPC (4.8) and they are coming off a game in which Jordan Mason ran for 116 yards on just 16 carries. Oh, and the Pittsburgh defense ranks 24th this season in rushing yards allowed per game (184.0).

Of course, this is the NFL and “any given Sunday” is their motto, for a reason. But on paper, this matchup does not look good for the Steelers.

Many of us have a lot of belief in JJ McCarthy, just given what head coach Kevin O’Connell, GM Kwesi adofo-Mensah have said publicly, along with what media insiders and the MN Vikings social media team have fed us through legacy and social medias.

Behind the scenes of JJ McCarthy partaking in #Vikings media day.

🎥: @brad_rempel via IG pic.twitter.com/BBq1x3UM8g

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) June 9, 2025

Now that the Vikings have chosen McCarthy as their QB1, anything coming out of Eagan has to be taken with a large grain of salt. Everyone inside of Minnesota Vikings facilities, from ownership to executives to coaches and all the way down to the players have a lot invested into the success of JJ McCarthy.

How do we know the Minnesota Vikings love JJ McCarthy…

The most telling insight into the Minnesota Vikings’ heat check on JJ McCarthy’s NFL readiness came back in March, when Daniel Jones turned down their $15 million offer because he knew the likelihood of winning the job over McCarthy wasn’t good.

It was around that same time, however, that we really found out how Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings felt about McCarthy, when Aaron Rodgers called them up and all but threw himself at the organization for one shot at a Super Bowl run with his old pal from Cal, KOC.

After a week or two of internal debate over the pros and cons of bringing the 4x MVP in, the MN Vikings gave Rodgers the “don’t wait up for us” treatment. But he waited up anyway… for months.

Related: MN Vikings QB JJ McCarthy Reminds TJ Hockenson of Who…?

Meanwhile, KOC’s confidence in McCarthy seems to have grown now that OTAs have mostly come and gone. Thus, it was no coincidence Rodgers gave up on his waiting game and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, just days before teams started to meet this week for minicamp.

Confirmed: Vikings picked McCarthy over Aaron Rodgers

Then on Monday, Mike Jones (The Athletic) confirmed what we pretty much already knew in an article that put in tinto plain words. The Minnesota Vikings did indeed spurn Aaron Rodgers’ advances, a decision that was probably etched into stone over the last couple weeks, leading to A-Rodg signing in Pittsburgh.

The Minnesota Vikings have pledged loyalty to McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick, who missed his entire rookie season while rehabbing from a torn meniscus suffered during the preseason. Rodgers wanted to continue his career with the Vikings, but after extensive deliberations, Minnesota opted to proceed with McCarthy as its quarterback.

The Michigan product has spent these offseason practices working his way back into a flow and, thus far, has impressed teammates with his leadership skills. McCarthy hasn’t been perfect, but coach Kevin O’Connell dismissed any McCarthy hiccups, calling this the learning stage. If McCarthy emerges from the offseason unscathed, he should remain the starter for Week 1.

Mike Jones – The Athletic

I know Rodgers isn’t what he used to be, but the Minnesota Vikings choosing what seems like “the unknown” over an O’Connell-aided Aaron Rodgers revenge tour is pretty significant, given how easy the Vikings could have made Rodgers’ life.

And not just because of KOC and his genius or longtime friendship with Rodgers, but also how much the Vikings did to beef up everything around the QB position this offseason, especially on the interior offensive line.

Doubt JJ McCarthy at your own risk…

Media and fans can apply pressure, but as long as JJ McCarthy is making a positive impression on coaches and teammates while they are all gathered together, none of the outside noise will matter.

And if you believe what the Minnesota Vikings propaganda machine has been dishing out for the past few months (I do), then optimism over their QB position is at an all-time high in Eagan.

Got better today. #Skol pic.twitter.com/PRr48V3Lt7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 5, 2025

For as much faith as some of us have in our 22-year-old University of Michigan superstar, football is a game of results. And so far, when it comes to the National Football League, JJ has zero evidence to show he belongs.

That’s why, until we see McCarthy take the regular season field and perform in games that matter, we’ll only be able to guess at what his play will look like, even if some of those guesses are well-educated.

Still, some forms of information aren’t more revealing than others… and that is where their handling of Rodgers and other QB options this offseason is worth noting. I mean, the Minnesota Vikings have left their QB room virtually void of legitimate starting quarterbacks, outside of McCarthy.

Justin Jefferson telling us how MN Vikings feel about McCarthy too

Another big hint is the way Justin Jefferson has made it a mission to build up his relationship with the 2024 No. 10 overall draft pick. The two have lockers right next to each other, have been spotted at local sporting events, among other things.

Here is JJ McCarthy throwing to Justin Jefferson to cleanse your timeline. pic.twitter.com/45iR2sq0c6

— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (@verysadvikings) June 6, 2025

Justin Jefferson and J.J. McCarthy were mic’d up as the TWolves clinched their second consecutive trip to the conference finals 🔥 pic.twitter.com/i6WKZN5quU

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 16, 2025

Jefferson’s dedication to the bit tells us everything we need to know about what the Vikings have been communicating to their superstar wideout. That McCarthy is the present and future of this team. Not only that, but JJ will make or break whether or not JJ goes to the Hall of Fame… and that conversation goes both ways.

Related: Justin Jefferson Reveals Why He Attended Minnesota Vikings OTAs

Not only do the Vikings not want to sew doubt in the hearts and minds of fans, but you know that O’Connell and his group of QB guru coaches in training have full belief in themselves to fix any sort of shortcomings JJ McCarthy currently has by the time training camp rolls around.

Now that we know without a doubt that the Minnesota Vikings chose JJ McCarthy over Aaron Rodgers, it adds even more pressure on the young man’s plate to perform well immediately. But it also gives us our biggest indicator into just how good Kevin O’Connell and the rest inside that organization feel about him doing just that.

Unfortunately, there weren’t a lot of borderline starting QBs out there on the market who seemed all that interested in a training camp competition with McCarthy, who head coach Kevin O’Connell has been raving about since the offseason began.

Unless, of course, your name is Aaron Rodgers. The worst kept secret in football the past few months has been Rodgers’ desire to play for the Minnesota Vikings and their stacked arsenal of elite offensive weapons, which now stretch from the skill positions, down into the trenches, following a successful offseason restructuring of their interior offensive line.

Of course, we now know that the Rodgers + Vikings connection never came together. In the end, Minnesota never made an offer to the 4x MVP, instead all but naming JJ McCarthy the 2025 starter, based on process of elimination in a QB room that only includes him, Brett Rypien, newly acquired Sam Howell and former Gopher, Max Brosmer.

Could Aaron Rodgers still be waiting for the Minnesota Vikings?

For Aaron Rodgers, his choices appear to be down to the Pittsburgh Steelers, or retire. So far, head coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers organization continues to wait patiently for Aaron to make his final decision.

But according to Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) on the Dan Patrick Show recently, there is still a belief around league circles that Aaron Rodgers is still waiting out the Minnesota Vikings.

Some #NFL teams still think Aaron Rodgers is “waiting out the @Vikings”, says @JFowlerESPN:

"There’s some teams I’ve talked to, they are still kind of wondering, like, is [Aaron Rodgers] just waiting out the Vikings, you know? Because the Vikings would be an ideal scenario… I… pic.twitter.com/yRwcZoqZRe

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) May 24, 2025

“There are some teams that I talk to who are still kind of wondering like ‘is [Aaron Rodgers] just waiting out the Vikings,’ you know, because the Vikings would be an idea scenario, with one of the best play-callers in the league, with Kevin O’Connell. You’re guaranteed nine dome games per year…”

Jeremy Fowler – The Dan Patrick Show

Related: Harrison Smith Admits He’s a Big Aaron Rodgers Fan

Really, if you look back a couple months, the fact that Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned is not surprising. Nor would it be surprising if we find out that, indeed, he is waiting to see if Minnesota officially names JJ McCarthy as the starter, once OTAs (which start Wednesday) eventually lead into minicamp and training camp.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Rodgers is waiting for the Vikings…

We know Rodgers’ ideal landing spot is with the MN Vikings. We also know that, if he was sold on signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the deal would already be done. But, it isn’t. And as of May 24 at 7 PM CDT, Aaron remains an unrestricted free agent.

So, it wouldn’t be a shock me at all if Aaron Rodgers is indeed following through on his original plan, which most believed to be waiting out his best-case scenarios, until it no longer makes sense.

Unfortunately for A-Rodg, from everything Fowler is hearing out of his Vikings sources, O’Connell & Co. remain uninterested in his friend and fellow West Coast-raised quarterback.

“Checking with the Vikings, I still don’t expect [them to move on Rodgers]. They’re moving forward with JJ McCarthy. So, he really has no other option other than Pittsburgh or retire.”

Jeremy Fowler – The Dan Patrick Show

Aaron Rodgers best game as a Jet – Week 15 2024, Jets vs Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/eicaFRUtzB

— VintageAaronRodgers (@VentageArod) March 12, 2025

Even if the Minnesota Vikings remain out on Aaron Rodgers, I cannot blame him for the way he is approaching this offseason. In the end, we will eventually find out if his patience pays off, either for him, or the team he ends up waiting for.

Related: Justin Jefferson Putting in Work with His New Minnesota Vikings QB1

But at age 42, this is Aaron’s last ride and he knows it. Thus, I’d imagine that, what the former Packer doesn’t want to do, is sign with the Steelers too soon, just for an injury or benching to take place on a roster he views as a more viable Super Bowl threat… like the Minnesota Vikings.

In 2025, it’s the Pittsburgh Steelers’ turn to lose a home game to Europe. Their overseas assignment: Dublin, Ireland. But which team would fly out to the land of potatoes and whiskey to play as Pittsburgh’s “road” opponent? Well, that’s where the MN Vikings come in.

Week 4: Minnesota Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers – Dublin, Ireland

After the process of elimination — along with some rumors that surfaced a couple months ago — the Vikings were one of only a few road opponents on the Steelers’ 2025 schedule that fit into that Ireland time/schedule slot.

But late Sunday, rumors turned into reports when Pittsburgh sports radio host Andrew Fillipponi — 93.7 FM – The Fan — tweeted out that sources tell him the Pittsburgh Steelers “will host the Vikings”, not the Green Bay Packers, on September 28 (week 4).

Source: The Steelers will host the Vikings in Ireland on September 28th. Not the Packers. Contrary to popular belief. pic.twitter.com/2leihsaGpj

— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) May 4, 2025

Originally, Green Bay made sense as the Steelers’ international road opponent in 2025, especially after the Packers were recently awarded international marketing rights in in Ireland.

But when they got serious about adding Aaron Rodgers, their home game vs his former team became way too big of a deal to export overseas. If Rodgers were to land in Pittsburgh, that’s a revenge party they’d want to host domestically, and in the Steel City.

Related: NFL Exec Predicts the Rise of Sam Howell in Minnesota… and JJ McCarthy’s Demise?

The Minnesota Vikings are undefeated in seven total international games since 1983, including 4-0 in preseason games and 3-0 internationally in the regular season. The Steelers and Vikings have not faced each other since 2021, Mike Zimmer’s final year as head coach. Minnesota won that game, 36-28.

Other storylines for Vikings vs Steelers

How wild would it be if the Vikings get a chance to knock off Rodgers overseas two years in a row? Last season, with the Jets, Minnesota held Rodgers to 29-of-54 passing and forced him into three interceptions. This offseason, the Steelers have added talented wideout D.K. Metcalf to their offensive attack.

They also replaced veteran running back Najee Harris with Iowa rookie Kaleb Johnson. Prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings were tied plenty to Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, who the Steelers selected in the first round.

As two of the league’s premier brands, we can probably expect more games overseas involving both the Steelers and Vikings in the future. Last year, the NFL played games in Brazil, the United Kingdom and Germany. This year, they are playing in all three of those countries again, and adding two more (Ireland and Spain).

In the months that have passed since the Vikings’ season ended, Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and JJ McCarthy appears to be the heir apparent, starting in 2025.

O’Connell seems ready to hand the reins of his offense over to his 2024 No. 10 overall pick. Most of the starter-capable free agent quarterbacks have already signed elsewhere, and at least for now — with the first day of their nine-week offseason program starting April 21 — the only other QB currently on roster is Brett Rypien.

Almost time for JJ McCarthy to prove he’s ready

But there’s one thing holding the Minnesota Vikings back from crowning their future QB1 as their present QB1. They haven’t seen him take the field and and perform football activities yet with his teammates, since undergoing season-ending meniscus surgery last August.

Thus, their patience on the QB market this offseason comes with plenty of risk. Sure, McCarthy might look the part. He’s worked hard to get back and he’s a great kid with tremendous talent. But until the bodies start flying around — at least a little bit — they cannot know for sure what they have in JJ McCarthy.

They, of course, don’t know, and won’t know [if McCarthy is ready], until they get out on the practice field in May, how everything McCarthy’s gone through will affect the on-field part of it.

Robbed of having a cleaner view of all that by the quarterback’s injury, they still do have to do some of the projecting they would have had to do back in August, had McCarthy stayed in the lineup and kept pushing Darnold. 

Albert Breer – Sports Illustrated

Lingering uncertainty surrounding McCarthy is probably why, based on what’s been reported, Aaron Rodgers still won’t commit to the Steelers. Because, until Vikings coaches see McCarthy work out with their own eyes, they are not comfortable fully closing the door on other QB options, including Rodgers.

Pressure is on for early Minnesota Vikings offseason workouts

The tests begin next week, when the first are set to host their first offseason workouts of 2025. And with most other competent QB options already off the market, the clock is ticking. Thus, wherever JJ goes for the next month; anything he does, every throw he makes… all eyes will be on him.

Related: Former MN Viking Credits Fans for Getting Him Signed

That means, while other Minnesota Vikings players arrive in Eagan to casually touch base with teammates and passively go through the motions, pressure will already be mounting for JJ McCarthy. How he handles that will begin to push KOC and Kwesi one way or another on what kind of veteran QB they need to add to the roster.

“We won’t know until we get out on the grass with him,” O’Connell says. “But my expectation is he’s going to have a great spring and we’re going to feel really good about him going into training camp.”

Given the team the Vikings have, there’s a lot riding on things playing out that way. If it doesn’t, well, the Vikings will address that later on. For now, though, they see all the pieces, in McCarthy himself and what’s around him. And we’ll know soon enough whether they come together as planned.

Sports Illustrated

In JJ McCarthy’s only preseason game last year, the University of Michigan National Champion went 11-of-17 for 188 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Two days later, he needed surgery on his knee. At this point, McCarthy is closing in on a year of recovery.

Every JJ McCarthy completion vs The Raiders pic.twitter.com/DRpfTHS3QK

— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (@verysadvikings) April 10, 2025

JJ played played 40 games in his three years at Michigan, compiling a Big Ten-best 72.3% completion percentage during his junior season and a 49/11 TD/INT ratio over the course of his college career. There has never been any doubt about the level of belief O’Connell has in McCarthy, but now it’s time for the 22-year-old to prove him right.

For now, the Vikings have Brett Rypien on the depth chart as the QB2. While the nephew of former Washington QB Mark Rypien is a 28-year-old veteran, he’s only made four starts in his NFL career and he’s not expected to be the final answer as McCarthy’s backup.

Top Remaining Minnesota Vikings QB options for 2025

At some point between now and the start of training camp, the Minnesota Vikings will be adding another veteran quarterback to the roster. The move is expected to happen at some point after April 28 at 3 p.m. CDT, when free agency pickups will no longer play into their 2026 comp pick formula.

That is unless they decide to trade for their new quarterback, which could be just as likely as the Vikings adding one in free agency. So below, we rank the best remaining QB options for the MN Vikings, with less than two weeks remaining before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on April 24.

5. Teddy Bridgewater

Who could forget Teddy B? The Vikings’ former first-round pick has bounced around from team to team since suffering his career-altering knee injury in 2016. After spending parts of the past two seasons backing up Jared Goff on the Detroit Lions, the 32-year-old Bridgewater is a free agent again.

He’s not the type of player that will help the Vikings win games by himself, but Bridgewater’s tendency to make the right play while protecting the football could appeal to Kevin O’Connell. Plus, we already know he’ll be great in the locker room and would have no issue teaching young McCarthy everything he needs to know.

The question is, will Bridgewater head back to retirement as he did during the early portion of the 2024 season, or is he open to returning to where his career started?

Related: Rival Execs Continue to Question Minnesota Vikings Power Structure

4. Carson Wentz

This is not a joke. Carson Wentz, a former No. 2 overall pick, finished third in MVP voting in 2017, his second season in the NFL. Yet, after suffering multiple ankle injuries, Wentz’ athletic abilities started to diminish.

The last time we saw Wentz as a consistent starter came in 2022 when he led the Commanders to a 2-5 record while having 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. However, even though he’s now 32, Wentz got to spend last season as Patrick Mahomes’ primary backup, getting a first-hand experience in Andy Reid’s offense.

If he was good enough to be the top backup for a team attempting to three-peat as Super Bowl champions, Wentz should be good enough to back up McCarthy too. Plus, Wentz’s unique NFL career has seen several ups and downs, which could be a great way for him to relate to Minnesota’s new starter after McCarthy was forced to miss his entire rookie season due to injury.

Related: Sportsbooks Not Buying the Draft Plans Kwesi and the MN Vikings are Selling…

3. Ryan Tannehill

The Vikings made a point to note how they’re keeping the NFL’s compensatory pick formula in mind when shopping for a new backup quarterback. If so, Ryan Tannehill should be seen as a viable option. They’ve even already spoken to him.

He didn’t even play last season, which means the Vikings could sign him without having to worry about their future draft picks being impacted by the NFL’s complicated compensatory pick process.

However, Tannehill’s overall body of work remains impressive enough that the Vikings should have some level of interest in the former Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins starter. He’ll turn 37 before the season kicks off, but Tannehill brings 11 seasons of starting experience to the table.

Known for his success with play-action passing, Tannehill would be stepping into the most high-powered offense he’s ever been a part of. If he’s still interested in playing football, Tannehill should be the one calling the Vikings, not the other way around.

Related: What Does Mel Kiper’s Latest Mock Tell Us About Vikings Draft Plans?

2. Kirk Cousins

Of course Kirk Cousins — who turns 37 in August — needs to be on this list. Sure, he’s being held hostage by the Atlanta Falcons for a full year now, but one of the greatest QBs in Minnesota Vikings history reportedly plans to waive his no-trade clause, after the 2025 NFL Draft ends.

This way, he can avoid future draft night surprises, like what he experienced last year, a month after arriving in Atlanta. Plus, if a trade happens after the draft, that would actually benefit the Vikings since they’re armed with just four selections in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Trading a 2026 pick for the four-time Pro Bowler shouldn’t be out of the question. Teams may be scared away from Cousins’ $27.5 million salary for 2025, but the Vikings have the advantage of having McCarthy on an affordable rookie deal, allowing them to spend a bit more for a high-quality backup like Cousins.

most accurate QBs when kept clean:

1. Jalen Hurts
2. Jared Goff
3. Gardner Minshew
4. Geno Smith
5. Joe Burrow
6. Sam Darnold
7. Derek Carr
8. Russell Wilson
9. Brock Purdy
10. Kyler Murray
11. Joe Flacco
12. Kirk Cousins
13. Drake Maye
14. Justin Herbert
15. Daniel Jones
16.…

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 12, 2025

Plus, once again, the Vikings already know what type of competitive teammate they’d be adding back into the locker room, and McCarthy getting to see how Cousins prepares week in, week out, could be a valuable lesson that the 22-year-old never forgets.

Yet, if we’re being real, Cousins should be getting a crack at a starting role with a team like the Cleveland Browns. However, after the Browns signed Joe Flacco, they may have closed the door on reuniting Kevin Stefanski with Cousins too. As a result, Cousins coming back to his second home in Minnesota could be the perfect way to close out his career.

Report: Vikings + Kirk Cousins Reunion is Not Out of the Question

1. Aaron Rodgers

Love him or hate him, Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback available. If he’s legitimately interested in joining the Vikings at a reasonable rate, the front office shouldn’t turn down the advances of a four-time NFL MVP.

Rodgers didn’t light it up in his lone season with the New York Jets. But neither did Kirk Cousins, and both players were coming off a torn Achilles. Perhaps another season removed from the season-ending surgery will help Rodgers return to top form.

Either way, Rodgers still didn’t have a terrible season, finishing with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Vikings would likely be thrilled with that type of production, knowing the rest of their roster is in a position to find success.

If the Vikings wanted to know more about how Rodgers operates within a locker room, they could just ask Aaron Jones, his teammate for six seasons in Green Bay. Skeptics may speak to the drama that tends to follow the future Pro Football Hall of Famer, but his former teammates clearly don’t have an issue with him.

Jamien Sherwood is asked what it's like not having Aaron Rodgers around anymore:

"He taught everybody in this building a lot…he helped created a standard for myself and those other guys. He left a mark on all of us." pic.twitter.com/iVa9lPXmnz

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) April 9, 2025

Of course, there’s some downside involved with bringing Rodgers aboard. He’d be signed and expected to start, not operate as a backup to someone who’s never played an NFL down.

Yet, no matter how you feel about the former Packers quarterback, the Vikings would be foolish to turn down someone who has already proven he can win a Super Bowl when they have a roster ready to compete.

Related: Vikings Getting Cocky About Their Medical Staff

While Aaron Rodgers doesn’t appear to be on the radar of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell, as of now, until the MN Vikings sign a clear backup for J.J. McCarthy, speculation connecting Rodgers to the Vikings will continue to run rampant.

Minnesota Vikings remain Aaron Rodgers dream scenario

Reports in recent weeks have been focused around Aaron Rodgers’ desire to play for the Vikings, under O’Connell’s tutelage and within an array of weapons few offenses in the league possess. If Rodgers’ actions haven’t been loud enough on their own, then insider Dianna Russini (The Athletic) has been his megaphone.

Recently, Tom Pelissero appeared on the Jim Rome Show, and he stated just how willing Rodgers is to wait. His two options are the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers. If he wanted to play in black and yellow under head coach Mike Tomlin, he would’ve already signed. But… he hasn’t.

"It's Pittsburgh or wait."@TomPelissero on Aaron Rodgers remaining options in free agency. pic.twitter.com/jmGZiCHad8

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) March 27, 2025

“This deal [with Pittsburgh] has been in place for weeks. They have discussed parameters. This is not going to be a financial issue at all for Aaron Rodgers…The Pittsburgh Steelers are the only opportunity that Aaron has…Aaron had a high interest in Minnesota…It was always a longshot in Minnesota because they have a high degree of belief that J.J. McCarthy is going to be the guy…They decided at this point, they are moving forward. I’m not anticipating that changing…We’re in a very small percentage chance here that this thing changes, and he has Minnesota open up. Aaron’s own choices right now are go to the Steelers, quiet down everything…or you sit back and say, I’m not ready to make a decision right now. Maybe you see, whether it’s Minnesota or something else, what might shake out of the trees…This is Pittsburgh… or wait.”

Tom Pelissero – Jim Rome Show

The former Packers legend has made more than $380 million during his career and doesn’t need more money. He’s also clearly not sold on what the Steelers have to offer. Mike Tomlin is a good coach, but he isn’t the QB whisperer that KOC is. D.K. Metcalf and George Pickens aren’t Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, either.

Pittsburgh has stuck their neck out knowing they need a quarterback. The Steelers needed one last year, so bad that they played two in the form of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Both those players are now gone elsewhere, and they look like a lonely suitor hoping that Rodgers picks them.

Minnesota doesn’t need Rodgers. Sam Darnold is more than proof enough that McCarthy should be expected to succeed. If Aaron Rodgers wants to try and wrangle one last Super Bowl though, the Vikings are his best bet. But until the Vikings tell him to kick rocks and get lost, the 4X NFL MVP has no incentive to make that decision.

MN Vikings allowing Pittsburgh Steelers to embarrass themselves

There’s no denying the resume of Aaron Rodgers. Not only does he have four MVPs, but the four-time All-Pro has also been named to ten Pro Bowls, and he has a Super Bowl ring. He’s also 42 years old, one year removed from an achilles tear, and his last team went 5-12.

Related: Insider Says Minnesota Vikings Had a Near-Perfect Free Agency

Last season Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He was good-not-great with a Jets team that was terrible. What level he aided is debatable. Regardless, he’s still calling the shots while his likely future employer, and teammates, get laughed at in the process.

It’s not on the Vikings to save the Steelers, or Rodgers from himself, in this situation. They could change their own stance, or they could just sit back and watch the NFL QB landscape burn.

And as of now, hands down the best QB1 veteran option available — if you’re looking for a starting QB who can legitimately lead a team to the postseason this year — is 41-year-old 4X AP MVP, Aaron Rodgers, who remains unsigned, and in no hurry to change that.

So until the Vikings sign another veteran backup or Rodgers inks a contract elsewhere, the possibility of adding the former rival QB will remain. Minnesota has the best QB coaching, best NFLPA survey results and most loaded roster of all Aaron’s possible options, bar-none. It is somewhat surprising to hear Minnesota safety Harrison Smith feed into the frenzy.

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith likes Aaron Rodgers

So, on Tuesday, when Smith went on the Up and Adams Show (with Kay Adams) and talked about how much he loves watching Aaron Rodgers play football… it was most certainly noteworthy. Like many ball guys, Harry the Hitman likes to watch high-level football, especially on the mental side. Thus, it’s no surprise one of his favorites to watch is Aaron Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers is Minnesota Vikings Safety Harrison Smith's "favorite QB to watch."@heykayadams | @harrismith22 pic.twitter.com/nPnRP6LEUi

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 25, 2025

I will say [Aaron] Rodgers has been, you know I’ve played against him my whole career, he’s always my favorite quarterback to watch. And also my least favorite quarterback. He’s very tough to defend…I have a very great appreciation for him and his talent. Some of the throws he would make, I was just like what do you want us to do?

Harrison Smith on the “Up and Adams” show

Harrison Smith has seen Rodgers plenty over the years during his career. This will be the Vikings safety’s 14th season and he has 192 games under his belt. When Rodgers was with the Green Bay Packers, Smith saw him twice a season if not more including the playoffs.

Related: Vikings QB JJ McCarthy is Playing Golf, Looking Good and Giving Out Health Updates

Adams pressed Smith on what their conversations have been like on the field. He talked about the amount of pre-snap eye contact the pair shared, but then came up with a great anecdote from the Covid season in which no fans were allowed in the stadium.

“I would say the funniest one, I think it was the Covid year so it was dead quiet, he knew I was trying to disguise something and I was going to come down closer to the line of scrimmage. He was under center and took his hands out and was like, c’mon, c’mon. Like dude, you’re kind of disrespecting me with that one. That was funny.”

Up and Adams

As Smith said, he’s not going to speculate on the Vikings quarterback situation, but it’s impossible to ignore that Rodgers remains unsigned. He has an open offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but is very clearly trying to will himself to Minnesota.

Aaron Rodgers could give Vikings Smith a front row seat

Aaron Rodgers is not new to the NFL. He also has made nearly $400 million playing football. He doesn’t need more money, and certainly doesn’t want to find himself in another New York Jets scenario. While the Steelers would clearly love to have him throwing passes to D.K. Metcalf and George Pickens, a better option exists.

The Minnesota Vikings may have moved on from Rodgers when it comes to what has been publicly reported. Until they actually acquire a quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy though, Rodgers continues to have hope. The Vikings don’t need a starter, but Rodgers would effectively represent that.

Rodgers is looking to add onto his 503 career touchdown passes. He’d be able to do so in a substantial way while working with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Running back Aaron Jones is someone he knows well. Clearly he has a fan in Harrison Smith.

2 minutes of Aaron Rodgers dots up the seam. pic.twitter.com/mmZu5k7vvq

— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) March 23, 2025

MN Vikings QB1 will be setup for success

Thankfully, Kevin O’Connell is the league’s top new quarterback whisperer. So far, that has allowed us to see the very best of every healthy QB who has played the position in Minnesota over the past three seasons.

Kirk Cousins found a new gear in 2022 and was on his way to an MVP in 2023, before he ruptured his achilles in Green Bay. Nonetheless, KOC found a way to get competent QB play out of Nick Mullens, Josh Dobbs and 5th round rookie, Jaren Hall for the back-half of that season.

Related: Vikings Extremely Confident in New Starting Safety

Then, of course, there’s what he did last season with Sam Darnold, making a former No. 3 overall bust into a legitimate MVP candidate, tossing for over 4,300 yards (66.2% completion rate), 35 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions.

As long as the Minnesota Vikings have a QB opening, Kevin O’Connell and one of the most loaded rosters in the NFL — along with all the other things the have going for them — these Aaron Rodgers rumors aren’t going away anytime soon.