The Minnesota Vikings have officially moved on from pursuing veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. As offseason practices near, J.J. McCarthy, the team’s second-year player, will lead the quarterback lineup.
Recently, the Vikings spent considerable time weighing their options after Rodgers expressed interest in joining them. Their decision-making process intensified when starter Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and free agent Daniel Jones, who they hoped could mentor McCarthy, opted for the Indianapolis Colts instead.
Interestingly, the Vikings have received trade inquiries about McCarthy but have turned down those offers. This aligns with their strategy of building around the young quarterback, despite the chances of adding Rodgers being described as “non-zero.”
McCarthy is recovering from surgery he had in August to fix a torn meniscus in his right knee. He made history as the first quarterback selected in the first round who missed his entire rookie season due to injury. Had Rodgers joined the team, it could have delayed McCarthy’s development, pushing his progress to 2026 instead.
The Vikings have made moves that suggest they’re fully backing McCarthy. They chose not to use the franchise tag on Darnold, allowing him to leave, and have invested over $300 million in player contracts this offseason, the highest in the NFL. This investment indicates their commitment to building the team around McCarthy while he’s still on his rookie contract.
With the focus on McCarthy, the Vikings now need to find a reliable veteran backup. Brett Rypien is currently the only other quarterback on the roster. Some potential candidates include Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz. Additionally, former Vikings starter Kirk Cousins, now with the Atlanta Falcons, might become available later on.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, this strategic shift could define the future of the Vikings. By trusting McCarthy, they are embracing a new era, betting on his potential to lead them forward.
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