Despite their confidence in J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings haven’t completely ruled out the possibility of pursuing Aaron Rodgers. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the ongoing speculation, acknowledging that head coach Kevin O’Connell has had conversations with Rodgers. While the team is currently focused on evaluating McCarthy, Adofo-Mensah emphasized the fluid nature of roster decisions.
“For me to sit here and say that anything’s 100 percent forever, that’s just not the job,” Adofo-Mensah said. “We’re responding to scenarios and different information as it comes. So obviously things can change, but right now we’re really happy with our [quarterback] room and we’re going to look to upgrade it in different ways.”
Those “different ways” likely involve bringing in a veteran presence to push McCarthy in training camp, rather than adding a high-profile competitor like Rodgers. Adofo-Mensah made it clear that Rodgers falls outside of the category of quarterbacks they are considering, as his arrival would make McCarthy a backup rather than the team’s long-term starter.
While the Vikings remain committed to McCarthy’s development, they are keeping their options open. For now, Rodgers to Minnesota remains unlikely, but the door isn’t entirely closed on a potential change in direction.
When asked whether Aaron Rodgers would be considered competition for J.J. McCarthy if signed, Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah provided a broad response, emphasizing the team’s approach to roster building rather than directly addressing Rodgers’ situation. “You want competition, you want ability to play if they’re not the starter, all those different things,” Adofo-Mensah said. “You’re just trying to solve for a lot of different dynamics. I’m not going to say that’s specific to Aaron, but just generally what you’re trying to accomplish in a decision.”
Rodgers remains in limbo as free agency drags on, with his future still uncertain. His indecision has reportedly left the Pittsburgh Steelers waiting for weeks, while communication between him and the Vikings has gone quiet. However, the possibility of Minnesota making a move for the veteran quarterback may not be completely off the table until later in the offseason.
For now, the Vikings remain focused on evaluating McCarthy, who is just six months removed from meniscus surgery. While the organization believes in his potential, they acknowledge that they don’t yet have a definitive answer on his readiness to take over as the full-time starter.
As the summer months approach, Rodgers’ free agency remains a key storyline, and until the Vikings make a firm commitment to McCarthy or another veteran, speculation surrounding a potential move for the four-time MVP may continue.