Just when it seemed like the Pittsburgh Steelers were closing in on a clear path to landing Aaron Rodgers, a curveball came flying out of Minnesota. Reports that the Vikings had no interest in the four-time MVP appeared to close the book on one of Rodgers’ rumored landing spots. But a cryptic response from Minnesota’s young quarterback has reignited speculation—and suddenly, Pittsburgh’s quarterback picture doesn’t look as clear as it did just a few days ago.
The Steelers have been among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Rodgers this offseason, but the 40-year-old remains undecided. According to sources close to the situation, he’s weighing three options: joining the Steelers, retiring, or—if Minnesota has a change of heart—heading north to the Vikings. With the New York Giants now out of the running after signing Russell Wilson, the Steelers had looked like clear frontrunners.
That is, until J.J. McCarthy stepped in front of a microphone.
J.J. McCarthy’s Surprising Admission Raises Eyebrows
McCarthy, Minnesota’s 2024 first-round pick and the presumed heir to the QB1 throne, was asked on The Up & Adams Show how it felt to be “the guy” in Minnesota now that Sam Darnold has signed with Seattle.
His response? A little too honest.
“Um, they haven’t told me,” McCarthy admitted. “I’m happy they didn’t because I try to earn it every single day, and I never want that to be given to me. It’s such a privilege and an opportunity to give me that chance and I’m just going to make the most of it.”
Wait—what?
With Darnold gone, McCarthy is the only viable starting quarterback on the roster, unless you count backup Brett Rypien. The franchise drafted McCarthy 10th overall, sat him all last season due to a knee injury, and gave the reins to Darnold, who unexpectedly led the team to 14 wins and a Pro Bowl nod. Darnold’s departure was supposed to pave the way for McCarthy’s ascension. So why hasn’t the organization officially committed to him?
If McCarthy’s comments revealed anything, it’s that Minnesota might not be 100% sold on him just yet—and that leaves the door wide open for Rodgers.
Vikings Playing Coy or Cooking Up Something Bigger?
The Vikings have done little to publicly express interest in Rodgers, despite recent buzz that it’s his preferred destination. But McCarthy’s uncertainty about his role throws a wrench into that narrative. If Minnesota truly had no plans to explore other quarterback options, wouldn’t they have assured their young quarterback that it’s his team?
This silence—intentional or not—has only added to the growing mystery.
McCarthy still hasn’t faced a live defense in regular-season NFL action, and while he’s shown promise in practice and preseason play, that’s a far cry from leading a franchise expected to contend. He’s still rehabbing his knee and learning under head coach Kevin O’Connell, who many credit with reviving Darnold’s career. If anyone could make Rodgers work in Minnesota, it’s O’Connell.
From an outside perspective, Minnesota appears stuck between giving their 2024 first-rounder the keys and taking one more big swing with a proven veteran.
Why the Steelers Can’t Get Comfortable Just Yet
Even if Rodgers is leaning toward Pittsburgh, this sudden uncertainty out of Minnesota can’t be ignored. If the Vikings decide to kick the tires on Rodgers, they could quickly become the new frontrunner—especially since it’s his reported top choice.
The Steelers, meanwhile, have done everything right on paper. They’ve cleared the cap space. They’ve made the pitch. They’ve been patient. But they also have one lingering concern reportedly floating around their front office—how long will Rodgers stay committed if he signs? At age 40 and with retirement still a real possibility, there’s always risk in signing a veteran of his stature.
Still, if the Vikings get involved, the decision might be out of Pittsburgh’s hands.
Why Minnesota Could Still Be the Wild Card in the Rodgers Sweepstakes
Despite a week’s worth of reports downplaying any connection between Rodgers and the Vikings, the door was never completely shut—and McCarthy’s revelation may have cracked it open even wider.
The timing is peculiar. Darnold is gone. No new veteran was brought in. The only other quarterback on the roster is Brett Rypien, and with no rumors of another QB being drafted or signed, what exactly is the Vikings’ plan?
Some league insiders believe the Vikings are simply keeping their cards close to the vest. Rodgers, for all the drama and baggage, is still a game-changing quarterback when healthy and motivated. If Minnesota is serious about contending in 2025, it’s hard to argue against at least exploring the possibility.
Yes, investing in Rodgers would mean shelving McCarthy’s development for at least another year—but after winning 14 games last season, this franchise may feel it’s on the cusp. And if McCarthy isn’t fully ready, then rolling with him prematurely could waste that momentum.
Rodgers Could Tilt the NFC North Balance—Again
Let’s not forget what happened the last time Aaron Rodgers was in the NFC North. The man ran the division for over a decade with the Green Bay Packers. A return to the division—this time in purple and gold—wouldn’t just be a headline-grabber. It would be a direct shot at his former team and a massive statement by the Vikings.
That possibility isn’t lost on the Steelers, who have watched their clear path to landing Rodgers become murkier by the day. What once felt like a one-team race now suddenly feels like a game of high-stakes poker—and Minnesota may be sitting on a wild card.
What Happens Next?
The waiting game continues.
Rodgers hasn’t given a timeline, but multiple sources expect a decision sometime before the NFL Draft. If the Steelers want to lock him in, they may need to turn up the pressure—or at least get some kind of verbal commitment before Minnesota gets cold feet about McCarthy.
Meanwhile, the Vikings’ silence speaks volumes. Whether it’s strategic, cautionary, or just plain indecisiveness, their lack of communication with McCarthy has created just enough room for Rodgers rumors to gain traction.