The Vikings could be a mystery third team in on Aaron Rodgers along with the Steelers and Giants, which have both publicly been linked to the 41-year-old QB. CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo believes Minnesota could be in on Rodgers, or, if they miss on him, Russell Wilson to be a potential JJ McCarthy insurance policy under center.
As DeArdo notes, Rodgers’ third team, whether it’s the Vikings or not, will be revealed on Tuesday.
“Rodgers is technically not a free agent until his official release from the Jets on Wednesday. He might not the best player still available, but he is a future Hall of Famer who plays the most important position in all of sports, so him taking the top spot was kind of a no-brainer,” DeArdo wrote.
“It appears that the Steelers have the inside track at landing Rodgers after missing out on Fields. But the Giants (who re-signed receiver Darius Slayton on Monday) are also still in the mix. There are rumblings that Rodgers’ third NFL team will be revealed at some point on Tuesday.
“Like Rodgers, Wilson is probably not the second-best player still available. But he is possible future Hall of Fame quarterback who was named to his 10th Pro Bowl in 2024.
“At this point, it appears that Wilson will sign with whoever doesn’t land Rodgers. That could mean a return to Pittsburgh for the 2025 season. A dark horse candidate for both Rodgers and Wilson is the Vikings after Minnesota watched Darnold leave for Seattle.”
Options are dwindling, but Rodgers has a stronghold on the teams left without a QB they’re confident in to start next season. Wilson is right there with him, though clearly behind him.
If the Jets are comfortable adding another QB in free agency to compete with Justin Fields, who they signed to a two-year, $40 million deal on Monday, Wilson could be a potential option. That dynamic got Pittsburgh to the postseason, at least.
Watch for Daniel Jones as several teams’ backup plan for Wilson and Rodgers.