If the New York Giants are as gung-ho about Aaron Rodgers as it seems, they just got a bit of good news on Wednesday that will increase their chances of landing the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer.
A report from NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero noted that the Minnesota Vikings will be moving forward with 2024 first-round pick JJ McCarthy as their starting quarterback next year, meaning that they will not pursue Rodgers.
The veteran quarterback and four-time league MVP reportedly hoped to sign with the Vikings, who went 14-2 last season with Sam Darnold under center after McCarthy was injured for the entire campaign.
It leaves the Big Blue and the Pittsburgh Steelers as the two finalists for Rodgers’ services in 2025 as both franchises look for a bridge quarterback.
New York general manager Joe Schoen noted that he wants to have a veteran passer in place regardless of what happens at the NFL Draft next month. With the No. 3 pick, the Giants could land a young quarterback, most likely Shedeur Sanders, considering Cam Ward appears to be a lock to go No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans.
The Steelers are trying to revamp their quarterback room after Justin Fields signed a three-year deal to join the New York Jets. Fields will replace Rodgers after two disappointing seasons with Gang Green. It has left Russell Wilson out in the cold after his 11-game stint as Pittsburgh starter. If Rodgers goes to the Giants, the Steelers could very well try to bring him back.
If the Giants lose out on Rodgers, though, they have done their due diligence on the veteran quarterback market. They have hosted Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Jameis Winston for visits over the last week.
Despite going 5-12 with the Jets last season, Rodgers still passed for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns — production that dwarfs anything the Giants have gotten in recent years with Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, or Drew Lock.
For more on Aaron Rodgers and the Giants, visit AMNY.com
