NFL free agency has been in full swing for sixteen days. It feels like months have passed, yet in the broad scheme of things, it has only been a few weeks. Still, Aaron Rodgers lurks, and the ink that connects him to the Minnesota Vikings continues to ooze onto digital paper.
Perhaps the Vikings have no plans to pursue Rodgers’ suggestion any further? Maybe J.J. McCarthy is the starting quarterback in Minnesota, even though he hasn’t been told.
Perhaps general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will provide a clearer picture when he answers reporters’ questions on Wednesday.
However, as long as Rodgers is unsigned and the Vikings do not slam the door in his face, the smoke will billow.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis provides the most recent smoke, if you will. Like his colleague Dianna Russini.
he believes that organized team activities this spring will be critical for the Vikings to completely embrace the idea of McCarthy starting the season as quarterback.
McCarthy has not taken part in a team practice since last fall. He’ll get that opportunity this spring and summer, and he appears to recognize the importance of his performance and demeanor,” Lewis wrote on Tuesday.
In addition to [Brett Rypien], the Vikings have yet to add another backup quarterback to their roster.
Until that happens, or until Rodgers joins with Pittsburgh (or retires), his suitability for Minnesota cannot be ruled out.
This highlights the significance of this spring and summer for McCarthy. The Vikings are hoping he demonstrates why they selected him at No. 10 in the coming weeks and months.”
Rodgers has visited the Pittsburgh Steelers but no agreement has been made.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants have signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, leaving the Steelers and Vikings as the only viable destinations for Rodgers if he wants to play for a contender in 2025.
On March 20, Russini noted that Rodgers is still on Minnesota’s radar. “They should learn something this spring. I’m not sure what that is, but they need to see it.
I believe they want to assess [McCarthy’s] physical and mental state. There’s a lot to consider before they decide they’re fully done with Aaron Rodgers. There is no in or out on Rodgers; it is merely for now.”