It’s no question, with Kirk Cousins leaving, the Vikings need a new QB. They’ve been eyeing Aaron Rodgers, but is he the right call? Well, the man is a future Hall of Famer, has four MVPs and a Super Bowl ring. But at 41, is he still worth the chase? The Vikings must weigh the risks. Rodgers’ last season with the Jets ended in disaster after just four snaps due to an Achilles tear. Even when he attempted a late-season return, it was clear he wasn’t the same explosive player he once was.

In an episode of Scoop City: A Show About the NFL, NFL insider Dianna Russini and former QB Chase Daniel discussed the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ decision and how it impacts the Vikings, Steelers, and Giants. Russini confirmed that both the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants have already engaged in contract discussions with Rodgers’ camp, signaling their serious interest. However, Rodgers is taking his time before making a decision. “He has told them, at least his representation has shared with both teams, that he will be making a decision soon,” Russini said. This prolonged waiting period has left both teams in limbo as they navigate their quarterback situations.

Meanwhile, Vikings are weighing their own Rodgers pursuit, according to Russini. “The Minnesota Vikings are having meetings and conversations about what this would look like,” she shared. While the possibility of adding a four-time MVP is intriguing, she noted that there’s more to consider with Rodgers than just his on-field performance. “He comes with a lot,” she pointed out. “He’s going to talk outside the building, he’s going to do media, he’s going to do things that he wants to do.”

Chase Daniel pointed out the need for a strong leader in any team that signs Rodgers. He referenced the New York Jets’ struggles in 2023, suggesting that Rodgers’ personality requires a certain structure within an organization. “There needs to be somebody that’s the bad cop, so to speak,” Daniel said. “Somebody that is going to hold him accountable, someone that’s going to say, ‘Hey, Aaron, this is what we need to do.’” This highlights a key challenge for any team hoping to bring in the four-time MVP—managing both his skill set and his outspoken nature.

With the Steelers and Giants still in active discussions and the Vikings weighing their options, Rodgers holds all the leverage. His decision will shape not just his own future but also the fate of multiple franchises. But as Russini noted, the clock is ticking, and these teams can’t afford to wait much longer. “They know what’s on the table,” she said. “Now, they just have to wait.”

Aaron Rodgers’ legacy in the NFL is undeniable. He has a record of over 62,952 passing yards and 503 touchdowns across two decades. His place is among the all-time greats. But even the greatest fall to Father Time. After suffering a season-ending Achilles injury with the Jets in 2023, his mobility declined, and his 2024 numbers reflected that. With fewer rushing attempts and a dip in overall performance. The Vikings’ O-line ain’t at its best, and without strong protection, a veteran QB who needs time in the pocket won’t find much comfort behind a shaky front.

Instead of taking a massive gamble on Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings could take the more sustainable route: drafting a quarterback. Holding the No. 24 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they might not secure top prospects like Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, but other talented passers could still be available. Relying on a veteran like Sam Darnold for a bridge year while grooming a young quarterback might be a logical approach. Darnold had an impressive 2024 season with the Vikings, passing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, earning a three-year deal with the Seahawks.

The NFC North is only getting tougher. The Vikings may just keep an eye on their competitors. The Lions are on the rise, the Packers have their young quarterback in Jordan Love, and even the Bears are making moves to improve. Banking on a potentially declining Rodgers, who may or may not be fully healthy, could backfire spectacularly. While the Vikings debate their future, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in a different kind of predicament. Their quarterback situation is turning into a high-stakes game of musical chairs, and they might be the ones left standing when the music stops.

Steelers’ quarterback chaos: who will lead Pittsburgh in 2025?

It’s surprising but the Steelers have decided to part ways with both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, seemingly betting big on landing Aaron Rodgers. Wilson’s release made it clear that he wasn’t going to wait around. Instead of hoping for the Steelers to take him back, he immediately began exploring other options. Russell Wilson has already met with the Cleveland Browns and is reportedly considering other teams as well. There’s even talk that he could end up with the New York Giants. The Pittsburgh losing both of their last season’s QBs without any backup plan is a major red flag.

The Steelers are holding out hope for Rodgers, but time is running out. The future Hall of Famer is taking his time deciding where he wants to play in 2025. His approach is a stark contrast to the Steelers’ passive stance, adding to the uncertainty in Pittsburgh. If Rodgers heads to the Big Apple, the Steelers will be in serious trouble. They will be scrambling to find another veteran or trade up in the draft. Right now, they don’t have a pick high enough to select a top-tier QB prospect without making a major move.

If Wilson signs with the Browns and Rodgers goes to New York, who is left for the Steelers? Their remaining options aren’t exactly inspiring. They could explore a trade for a veteran like Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold. The free-agent market, however, is thin. Do they really want to put all their eggs in the basket of an injury-prone quarterback like Stafford? Or gamble on someone like Jameis Winston, who has been wildly inconsistent? The other option is drafting a young quarterback, but they are outside the top 10 and unlikely to land a surefire franchise player. Trading up would cost them significant draft capital, and there’s no guarantee they’d get their guy.

The Steelers had an easy out with Wilson, but they might have overplayed their hand. They were banking on landing Rodgers, but he’s in no rush to commit, and Wilson isn’t going to wait around. If the Steelers don’t act fast, they could be stuck with a major problem: no clear starter. They need a veteran plan in place, or they might end up scrambling to salvage the season before it even begins. As free agency plays out, Pittsburgh’s decision to part ways with Wilson without a backup plan looks more and more like a mistake. With Rodgers taking his time and Wilson exploring new teams, the Steelers may soon be left asking themselves: Who’s going to play quarterback for us in 2025?