NFL Trade Rumors: Minnesota Vikings Considering Adding Quarterback Aaron Rodgers

The Minnesota Vikings are pondering a move that could turn the NFC North on its head. According to the Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Vikings are "seriously discussing the possibility" of adding former Green Bay Packers great Aaron Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers is intrigued by the possibility of playing for the Vikings.

And Minnesota is seriously discussing the possibility of adding the four-time MVP.@ChaseDaniel and I break it all down on Scoop City: https://t.co/V2E07qdH5o pic.twitter.com/jX9B8Tyncq
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 14, 2025

Rodgers played the Vikings twice a year as the Packers starting quarterback from 2008 to 2022. Flipping sides would be reminiscent of fellow Packers legend Brett Favre's arrival to the Vikings in 2009. Even at 40 years old, Favre had one of his best seasons that year, leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship game while setting career-best marks in passer rating (107.2) and interception percentage (1.3%).

Rodgers has previously been linked to the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, but the Vikings might offer a more direct path to the playoffs. They thrived in 2024 with former New York Jets castoff Sam Darnold under center, finishing with a 14-3 record while scoring 25.4 points per game. The Vikings allowed Darnold to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, and he eventually signed with the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year, $100.5 million deal.

The assumption was that the Vikings were content to allow 2024 10th-overall pick J.J. McCarthy to take over starting duties, but the second-year quarterback is coming off a knee injury that cost him the entirety of his rookie season. If the Vikings aren't completely confident in his ability to stay on the field, investing in a short-term alternative makes sense.

Assuming they actually want him as a starter, the Vikings would be an ideal situation for a Rodgers bounce-back season. They sport one of the league's best sets of pass catchers with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, a credible offensive line, and a familiar star at running back in former Packers Pro Bowler Aaron Jones.

Still, what's good for Rodgers isn't necessarily what's good for the Vikings. They've invested heavily in McCarthy, and if he can thrive while playing on a rookie contract, the Vikings could be Super Bowl contenders for years to come.

The Vikings likely see Rodgers as a logical hedge on McCarthy's readiness, but the four-time MVP may not be willing to accept a job in which he isn't guaranteed the opportunity to start. He's no guarantee to win a camp competition: He has been thoroughly ineffectual over his past three seasons, amassing a 14-21 record while averaging 5.85 net yards per passing attempt and 216.9 passing yards per game.

The Vikings may be Rodgers' last and best chance to thrive in the NFL, but signing with them would mean looking over his shoulder all year. Clearly, the Vikings' preference would be for McCarthy to emerge as a competent starter with high upside. If Rodgers doesn't play at the level that made him a future Hall of Famer, he'll find himself heading to the bench in a hurry, perhaps even before Week 1.