That was a one-off! Around the beginning of this month, Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings made the decision to release quarterback Sam Darnold, despite his 14-win performance last season. Darnold helped the franchise reach the wildcard round, but it wasn’t enough for the HC to keep him for the future. That and his $40 million+ price tag if franchise tagged. We also know both sides weren’t interested in short-term deals. Hence, they parted ways for their betterment. But what next?

Sam Darnold has already found his home in Seattle, signing with the Seahawks on a 3-year $100.5 million contract. But Kevin O’Connell’s team is still on the hunt for a solid quarterback, who can not only help the team win, but also be a great teacher to their young QB, JJ McCarthy. And amidst multiple names for the role, Aaron Rodgers’ stake has been gathering momentum.

Rodgers has been looking for a new team while contemplating retirement after the New York Jets cut him from their roster. Since then, the four-time MVP has been an enigmatic option for teams contemplating signing him. And now, as per Yahoo Sports on X, “Some with the Vikings say it’s literally “50/50” whether Aaron Rodgers signs with the team, per @MikeSilver.”

In addition to that, some sources claim that Aaron Rodgers himself is interested in signing with Kevin O’Connell’s team. Why? Well, the reason is clear. Sam Darnold has just left, and the team is now left with JJ McCarthy as their future QB. So, as the Vikings are aiming to opt for a veteran QB to hold fort for a year or two. Who could be better than 41-year-old Rodgers in this case? Hence, the marriage seems possible, even a snug fit.

But is it as easy as it seems? Perhaps, not! Sam Darnold exited the team, getting about $100 million for three years. Likewise, Aaron Rodgers is expected to demand a similar contract from Kevin O’Connell’s team. But given the situation that Rodgers arguably might not be at his peak level now (especially after not even coming close to a playoff berth last season), things might not end up as the QB wishes.

Nevertheless, Aaron Rodgers is waiting, and the decision lies on Kevin O’Connell. But an unfortunate update from the Vikings roster has given hope to Rodgers and his fans.

Kevin O’Connell’s future QB isn’t returning soon

A recent update on JJ McCarthy bolstered the chances of Aaron Rodgers’ potential chapter with the Vikings. We all know that O’Connell has a big decision to make this offseason. McCarthy is a good option, even the fans want to see him out there. But injuries are fast becoming the bane of his fledgling NFL career. A doctor recently had some grave observations on the 2024 rookie’s recovery from surgery on the meniscus in the right knee.

As per a post by Dr. Jeff Mueller on X, “McCarthy has just under six months until Week 1. He has progressed to throwing, so we know the repair took. There’s a possibility his cartilage isn’t responding well and is experiencing flare-ups (ie: Jerick McKinnon, Lamelo Ball), but no reports have surfaced indicating this.” The only good part of it is that the doctor is just speculating at the moment, with no official reports on the same. Now nobody would like to welcome that kind of report for a quarterback who is arguably going to lay a new foundation for the franchise. So, that means more ‘wait and watch’ i.e. indecision for Kevin O’Connell.

Now, the head coach faces a tough choice. Stick with an unproven J.J. McCarthy while sweating on his fitness. Or turn to the experienced Aaron Rodgers and sweat on…all that comes with him. If Kevin O’Connell and his staff go with McCarthy, lingering injury concerns could create even bigger problems. On the other hand, choosing Rodgers doesn’t guarantee a Super Bowl, though he’d give it his all. But one way or another, he’d bring plenty of headlines and some short-term excitement to the team.