The free agency saga of Aaron Rodgers continues to unfold, with new reports indicating that the veteran quarterback has a strong preference for playing with the Minnesota Vikings in 2025.
According to The Athletic, Rodgers is so set on this destination that he might even consider retirement if the Vikings opt to go in another direction. This latest development leaves the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants scrambling for alternatives at the quarterback position.
Aaron Rodgers in Brazil sharing Ayahuasca effects
Vikings must decide between Rodgers and their rookie QB
Minnesota’s front office now faces a tough decision: bring in Rodgers for what could be a short-term fix or fully commit to first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy. Choosing Rodgers would delay McCarthy’s development, preventing the Vikings from taking advantage of his rookie contract for another year. Additionally, Rodgers does not have a strong reputation as a mentor, which could impact McCarthy’s growth if the veteran QB were to take over as the starter.
For the Steelers, Rodgers‘ preference for Minnesota further complicates their quarterback situation. With Justin Fields now in New York with the Jets, Pittsburgh must either make an aggressive move in the draft or settle for an unproven option. Given the struggles they faced with Kenny Pickett, relying on an inexperienced quarterback is a risky proposition.
Giants could be the biggest loser in the Rodgers race
The New York Giants are arguably in the worst position. With the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, they were already longshots in the Rodgers sweepstakes. The Tennessee Titans are widely expected to take top quarterback prospect Cam Ward with the first overall pick, leaving the Giants with fewer options. Trading down for Shedeur Sanders or selecting a lower-tier prospect might be their only course of action, neither of which guarantees immediate success.
At this stage of his career, Rodgers‘ free agency drama may be more captivating than his actual on-field play. While he remains a competent starter, his presence alone is unlikely to turn any of these teams into Super Bowl contenders. The Vikings, Steelers, and Giants must now determine whether the Rodgers gamble is worth the risk, or if it’s time to look elsewhere for their next franchise quarterback.
