The dice was in Aaron Rodgers‘ hands until the Minnesota Vikings forced their way through—turning and unturning the free agency landscape. For weeks, it was almost guaranteed that Kevin O’Connell would replace Sam Darnold with the former Jets quarterback. Just last year, the HC had confidently proclaimed, “He’s such a special player, maybe one of the smartest, most aware players in our whole league.” However, in a flick of a finger, Rodgers stands face to face with a harsh reality. As the ghosts of the Super Bowl MVP’s haunted past (read: 2024 season) caught up as lackluster performances and underwhelming signal calling, the Vikings‘ front office’s eyes diverted their eyes elsewhere. And Rodgers? Well, he’s making some moves too, resulting in added pressure on the New York Giants, as a result. But before that…

As things currently stand, Minnesota is reportedly more interested in making things right with JJ McCarthy after the rookie missed last season with a torn meniscus. According to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, multiple teams have called expressing interest in the 22-year-old, with O’Connell’s team rejecting them by informing that they’re moving with McCarthy as their starter. Picked 10th overall in the NFL Draft, it’s understandable why the team is willing to take a risk, even rejecting a veteran in the process—it was this same McCarthy who, in his lone season with the Michigan Wolverines, led them to a 15–0 record and a national championship (the program’s first since 1997). The player also finished his CFB career with a staggering 27-1 record (.964) as a starter (the highest winning percentage in NCAA Division I FBS history). Rodgers, on the other hand, led the Jets to an underwhelming 5-12 record, with 3,897 passing yards, and 28 touchdowns in 2024.

Yet, even though the Jets decided against retaining him and the Vikings essentially sidelined him, interest in his services hasn’t gone down. The 41-year-old still has standing offers from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Giants. Interestingly, the former Packers star does not want to sign with either of these two teams. Several reports made it amply clear that Rodgers would rather retire than join any other team but the Vikings in free agency. So, a dicey situation awaits the Giants, but an option exists, too…

On Thursday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler showed up at The Rich Eisen Show, where he shared some interesting tidbits about the current QB situation around the league. Talking about the Giants, the ESPN reporter said, “I do expect the Giants to sign somebody. If they get impatient, it’s probably Russell Wilson, who I’m told looks at the Giants as a viable option and has for a while.” That would be an interesting move.

Notably, this comes after Fowler had reported on NFL on ESPN earlier this week, “[Wilson] in a position where can and is ready to sign somewhere. But he appears to be the backup No. 2 option in both Pittsburgh and New York, so he’s gotta wait on the Rodgers domino to fall most likely. Cleveland is a wild card.” Last week, the ex-Steelers QB flew to the Giants facility in New York for a meeting with the team. Before that, Russell Wilson had a meeting with the Browns as well.

But would signing a veteran QB be enough for the Giants? Fowler suggests that the Giants can draft Shedeur Sanders next month as well. According to him, there’s a slight chance Sanders could fall lower in the draft, however rare that might be. “I expect somebody to jump on him. I don’t know that…I anticipate a huge free fall.” So, while Joe Schoen and the front office are weighing their QB options between Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, their LB Azeez Ojulari found a new home. Well, more like the ex-LB now.

From big blue to midnight green: Azeez Ojulari finds a new nest

“It’s amazing having that chemistry and brotherhood with those guys, it’s just amazing to come back here and just keep it going on.” After spending four seasons with the Giants, Azeez Ojulari has found his new home in Philly. The Georgia alum’s $6.7M four-year rookie contract with the Giants ended this season. Joe Schoen and the front office chose not to offer Ojulari an extension, letting him walk in free agency.

Top Comment by Freddy

It was never «virtually certain» the Vikings were interested in Rodgers. Maybe it is poetic justice the Vikings played Rodgers...more

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On March 17, Philly announced they had signed the LB on an open-year deal. According to Spotrac, the Eagles inked Ojulari for $4M. From a 3-14 team to a Super Bowl winner, that’s quite a move for the Georgia alum. Signing with Philly reunited Ojulari with his Georgia teammate, Nolan Smith. The 24-year-old shared, “We got so many Georgia guys here. Nolan [Smith], that’s my brother for real. All of them are my brothers, but Nolan, since we’ve been in the same room since Georgia, I’m probably more close to him,” talking about Nolan at his introductory press conference.

Azeez will also be reconnecting with Saquon Barkley. Interestingly, there are reports that Joe Schoen and the team wanted to re-sign the LB, but he declined. Well, when you have the option to join Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, Adoree Jackson, and your college teammates, why would you let it slide? “We all share that brotherhood and the relationship we have is amazing. I’m ready to be here now,” said Azeez. It looks like the LB’s spirits are high after joining the defending champions.

While Aaron Rodgers and Russ Wilson are busy deciding their next spot, the Giants’ LB is pumped up with his move.