Go on—you can cross off one potential landing spot for first-time free agent Aaron Rodgers. His dream of following the Brett Favre route stops in New York. Rodgers, who reportedly had the desire to return to the NFC North for the Vikes, has since been served with a brutal rejection. Once NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday that the Vikings are “not pursuing Rodgers.” And have effectively refused to entertain any trade offers for their 10th overall pick, JJ McCarthy. So, it’s crystal clear that the Vikings are sticking with McCarthy as their projected starter. But what’s the actual reason they suddenly woke up and slammed the door shut on Rodgers’ face?

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has revealed the real reason why the Vikings gave up on Rodgers. Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, Fowler whisperers apparently said that the Vikings are “committed to J.J. McCarthy’s development. So because of that, they knew he’s going to be the franchise quarterback.” But it was not before some deep discussions that the Vikings eventually decided to say no to Rodgers. 

As Fowler further added, “Do we need to play J.J. and make him the guy in year two?..Or do we get somebody to step in here for a year?.. Do we plug into Rodgers for a year and then go to McCarthy after that?.. They ultimately decided in part because of what McCarthy showed last offseason, last training camp, and some limited preseason action before he got hurt. They were really impressed. So they want to ride that out in the spring. See if he can build off that, and they expect him to.” Just imagine one preseason game for McCarthy was enough to make the Vikings look away from a 4-time NFL MVP.

188 passing yards, 2 TDs, and no INTs in a preseason game against the Raiders got an edge over future Hall of Famer Rodgers. You actually can’t help yourself but feel pity for Rodgers at this point. I mean, he apparently also pleaded with the Jets to keep him. Still, they decided not to after his forgettable 2-year reign. Once a legend for the Cheeseheads (and still is), a member of the Gang Green (membership revoked in 2 years) doesn’t have a place in a franchise that was his target. So, what’s the next step for Rodgers? Is there anyone else who still wants to welcome A-Rod into their home?

Well, thankfully, if Rodgers still wants to play for anyone else. He might have to choose between the Steelers or the Giants.

Aaron Rodgers to wear either Big Blues or black and gold next season

At first, when Rodgers hit the free agency market. It looked like franchises would feel honored to have someone of his stature. Like 20 years of experience, over 62,000 passing yards, and 500 TDs. At 40, he threw over 3,000 yards and 28 TDs. Rodgers definitely has enough fuel in his tank to come back for another year. However, even if he wants, it won’t be the destination he desires. Vikings are off the picture. And the only ones that remain are the Steelers and the Giants. As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler stated, “He has standing offers, from what I understand, from both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. So, no firm determination on where he’s going yet.”

See, the Steelers are actually pretty much willing to make a deal with Rodgers. The only QBs they have on their roster right now are Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. And it isn’t rocket science to understand those aren’t the solutions to the Steelers QB room next season. I mean, they were supposed to choose between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Now, Fields has left to be a Jet. As for Wilson, he doesn’t seem to have any interest in returning as a Steeler anymore.

So, the only big name that remains in the market is Rodgers. Getting him on a veteran contract could probably allow the Steelers to at least make it a competitive QB room. Otherwise, Mike Tomlin’s winning season record might be in jeopardy once the 2025 season comes rolling. For now, they have no choice but to wait for Rodgers’ answer—which isn’t forthcoming anytime soon.