The rumors surrounding future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers need to be addressed. It’s not a coincidence at this point that the Vikings keep popping up as a potential landing spot.
Though some thought Rodgers might be leaking info himself last week trying to will it into existence, the Vikings haven’t refuted reports of their interest in any way, shape, or form. In fact, the Vikings have reportedly had conversations with Rodgers, who recently became a free agent for the first time in his career.
It will most likely come down to whether head coach Kevin O’Connell wants to work with Rodgers in the present or hand the keys to young quarterback J.J. McCarthy with an eye toward the future.
There are arguments to made for both sides when it comes to the Rodgers. The 41-year-old enigma might be the most polarizing player in the NFL.
Here are the pros and cons of the Vikings signing him:
Why they should …
This is a team trying to win the Super Bowl: Every move the Vikings have made this offseason is indicative of a team trying to win the Super Bowl. Are they willing to chase the elusive Lombardi Trophy with McCarthy leading the charge? That remains to be seen. It would be a lot to put on the shoulders of a 22-year-old kid, especially considering he didn’t play a single snap last season after suffering a torn meniscus. The experience that Rodgers brings to the table can’t be overlooked. He might be the best option at this point for a roster that looks capable of making some noise.
He might have something left in the tank: As much criticism as Rodgers got last season, his numbers were actually respectable in a vacuum. He completed 63 percent of his passes for 3,897 yards and 28 touchdowns. Never mind that the Jets finished with a 5-12 record. Given the Jets’ general inadequacy over the past decade, maybe the problems there were bigger than the guy under center. Is there a chance Rodgers could look revitalized playing with a competent organization? That’s something the Vikings are likely trying to project in their internal discussions.
It’s time to fulfill the prophecy: It’s impossible to ignore the comparison to Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre. After starring for the Green Bay Packers, Favre was traded to the Jets before signing with the Vikings to finish his career. After being likened to Favre at virtually every step of his career, it would be pretty incredible if Rodgers completed the arc of going from the Packers, to the Jets, to the Vikings. This would also be a chance for Rodgers do what Favre couldn’t do, and lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl.
Why they shouldn’t
It could torpedo the plan in place: The competitive rebuild appears to be in its final stages. After using the No. 10 pick int he 2024 NFL Draft on McCarthy, the Vikings have built a strong team around him and now need to see if he’s the right person to lead them into the future. That won’t be an option if Rodgers signs as he would immediately step in as the starter. That would relegate McCarthy to the role of the backup, which, in turn, could stunt his development.
He might not have anything left in the tank: There isn’t a lot of recent evidence to suggest that Rodgers can still play at a high level. He looked his age countless times last season, especially when he was crumbling in the pocket in the face of pressure. At the peak of his powers, Rodgers could evade pressure with the best of them and create off script.
The juice might not be worth the squeeze: Is he worth all the baggage that comes with him? That’s the biggest question here. The Vikings have to decide if they want to be a part of the soap opera that revolves Rodgers on a daily basis. This would be a big bet on O’Connell being able to manage Rodgers and his massive ego. That could be easier said than done.
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