Kevin O’Connell called Aaron Rodgers “a supercomputer” before the Minnesota Vikings’ matchup against the New York Jets last year. “Big field vision,” he raved. “Sees everything, has the ability to check and get into whatever he needs to.”
However, the Vikings were a shock to Rodgers’ system in London. Brian Flores’ defense held Rodgers to 29 of 54 passing for 244 yards. Andrew Van Ginkel ran one of Rodgers’ three picks back for a touchdown, and Minnesota’s defense also forced a fumble. Rodgers finished with a 54.9 passer rating, his second-lowest of the season.
Still, the Vikings scored 17 of their 23 points in the first half. Rodgers was leading the Jets on a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter when Stephon Gilmore, 34, picked him off to seal the victory for Minnesota. Despite his faults, Rodgers, 41, still has something left, and O’Connell may have had trouble telling him no this offseason.
After weeks of discussion, the Vikings have reportedly closed discussions with Rodgers and committed to J.J. McCarthy. Minnesota traded up to draft McCarthy last year, and they wanted to bring him into the NFL with clean hands. However, he tore his meniscus in the preseason and spent the year rehabbing. McCarthy has healed, though, and the Vikings can resume shepherding him into the league.
Signing Rodgers would not only involve handling McCarthy with contaminated hands but also baptizing him in sulfuric acid. The team would be putting their impressionable young quarterback behind Rodgers, who would dismantle the culture O’Connell built and not want to relinquish the starting spot.
Forget learning under Rodgers; McCarthy can watch his tape from a safe distance. McCarthy needs an environment where he can thrive. He needs a bridge. The Vikings have the perfect situation for him. Their sole focus should be allowing him to maximize it.
- Justin Jefferson will catch anything McCarthy throws near him.
- T.J. Hockenson is a safety blanket.
- Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are a dynamic duo.
- The Vikings used free agency to bolster the trenches.
- Flores’ defense will also take pressure off McCarthy.
Sam Darnold was no longer an option to bridge to McCarthy after he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Perhaps more surprisingly, Daniel Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts to compete with Anthony Richardson for a starting spot despite having an opportunity to start with the Vikings. That left Brett Rypien as the only other quarterback on their roster.
However, Carson Wentz and Joe Flacco are veteran free agents who could bridge to McCarthy. Kirk Cousins is also an option, although the Atlanta Falcons benched him last year, and it may be awkward bringing back a former starter. Therefore, it’s understandable why O’Connell may have had trouble saying no when Rodgers started batting his eyes at him.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, and Rodgers wouldn’t have to go far to play for the New York Giants next year. However, they don’t have Jefferson running routes or O’Connell designing plays. By joining the Vikings, Rodgers could do something Brett Favre never accomplished – win a Super Bowl in Minnesota.
However, Rodgers would have been less celebrated than Favre. He’s on the wrong side of 40 and may not be the best teammate. Much of his aura has dulled as he’s gotten older and more vocal. O’Connell might have felt tempted to sign him, but he was wise to pass. Rodgers is the past, and McCarthy is the future.