Minnesota Vikings Emerge Again in Aaron Rodgers Speculation

By Evan Massey

Contributing Sports Writer

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Aaron Rodgers has hinted that the 2025 NFL season could be his last, but there have also been hints dropped by the future Hall of Fame quarterback that he could keep playing next year. If he does choose to return, could the Minnesota Vikings be a potential suitor? The Pittsburgh Steelers would also be a likely destination.

Of course, the Vikings were heavily linked to Rodgers during the offseason. Despite the rumors and reported interest from Rodgers in playing for Minnesota, the franchise decided to move forward with second-year signal caller J.J. McCarthy.

In his first season as the starter for the Vikings, McCarthy has struggled. That has led some to speculate that Minnesota could look to bring in a veteran quarterback to be its starter in 2026.

Read more: Packers Defender Trolls Vikings as JJ McCarthy Enters Concussion Protocol

Should that be the case, Rodgers would make sense as a potential short-term option. He could also be a great mentor for McCarthy for a season.

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One of Rodgers' former teammates has spoken out and brought up the Vikings as a possible fit for Rodgers.

Kurt Benkert, a quarterback who played with Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers, made an appearance on the "Up & Adams" show with Kay Adams on Tuesday. He name-dropped Minnesota as a potential Rodgers destination.

“Maybe he goes to Minnesota for his last hurrah, who knows. I think there’s so many quarterback needy times right now. You’re seeing it all across the league. He’s still playing at a really good level. He’s not playing bad by any means. The Vikings would probably love to see Aaron there right now, especially on the deal that he took,” Benkert said.

He continued on, going into more detail about why a fit with the Vikings might make perfect sense for both parties.

“I think it could have looked very similar to what Matthew Stafford is doing. Not to that extent, but an efficient style, really good in the red zone. Justin Jefferson would have eaten a lot more than he is right now. Kevin O’Connell, how he calls plays, he needs a guy like Aaron that’s consistent with his feet, pinpoint accuracy. I think the Vikings are missing that with McCarthy right now.”

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Rodgers has played good football during the 2025 season with the Steelers. He has completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

While he is now 41 years old and soon to turn 42, Minnesota could get a good season out of him. Giving him weapons like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison would be dangerous. The Vikings could also help him follow in Brett Favre's footsteps once again.

It may not be likely that Rodgers will play in Minnesota next season. But, fans should expect to hear the rumors once again when the offseason arrives.

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