The Minnesota Vikings may not be desperate to land a new starting quarterback as the JJ McCarthy era gets ready to sprout, but that hasn't stopped free agent Aaron Rodgers from trying his best to speak a move to purple and gold into existence.
While it seems like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants are in a dead heat for Rodgers' services, Rodgers may have his eyes set on continuing his Brett Favre impression by joining the Vikings after an ill-fated season as the starter with the New York Jets.
According to The Athletic, Rodgers is waiting for some extra clarity on exactly what the Vikings plan to do at quarterback. If they tell him no, which would push him to either Pittsburgh or New York if he wants to keep playing, Rodgers may not be too excited about the prospect of either of those teams.
The Athletic hinted that if Rodgers' only two choices are the Giants and Steelers, he may decide to opt for retirement. Rodgers, who will turn 42 in December, is dumping white paint on the Mona Lisa that is his Packers legacy by basically begging the Vikings to at least consider him.
Aaron Rodgers is begging the Vikings to sign him to avoid retiring
New York is not an attractive option. Like the city's other team, the Giants are in "win or we're all fired" mode with a team that is likely not good enough to do any of that winning. Pittsburgh makes a ton of sense, as they could make the playoffs once again, but they won't be elevated above the big dogs in the AFC.
The Vikings, meanwhile, are fresh off winning 14 games with a quarterback they didn't even want for more than one season in Sam Darnold. Rodgers throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockensen could make for some fireworks, but Minnesota may not be open to the same siren song the Jets were.
Minnesota would need to completely throw their development plan for McCarthy in the trash if they sign Rodgers, as they will have used the No. 10 overall pick on a quarterback who would be either hurt or a backup in his first two seasons.
If the Vikings were getting the Rodgers from three years ago, this would be a slam-dunk move. Instead, his decline has made him a much less valuable asset than McCarthy, even if he hasn't realized it yet.