Vikings committed to J.J. McCarthy as starting QB after considering Aaron Rodgers, AP source says
Sports
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have committed to moving forward with J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback this season after deciding not to offer Aaron Rodgers a contract, a person with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Vikings were not commenting publicly on their plans.
Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, was released last week by the New York Jets. With Pro Bowl pick Sam Darnold having departed in free agency for the Seattle Seahawks after his breakout season, the Vikings prepared to turn their offense over to McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft whose rookie year was spent rehabilitating from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. Trade inquiries from other teams for McCarthy were rejected, the person said.
Rodgers was widely reported to be interested in joining his former rival from his time with the Green Bay Packers, and Vikings leaders took their time to consider the bold move of bringing in a 41-year-old player whose ability, accomplishments and personality have the potential to alter a locker room dynamic that by all accounts contributed to Minnesota’s 14-win finish last season.
