As the NFL world awaits a decision from Aaron Rodgers, including possible retirement, he seems to be down to two realistic options: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. However, the Minnesota Vikings have been lurking on the periphery, or maybe more than on the periphery, depending on which reporter or outlet the information is coming from.
The Vikings could have already dismissed the rumors attaching them to Rodgers, but they haven't, which could be telling, or maybe it's nothing as a busy first week of free agency in the NFL winds down.
There's something to be said for being too busy to address nonsense, like the possibility of signing a 41-year-old quarterback who's on the wrong side of the equation where teams balance someone's talent with the extra stuff they bring with them.
Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell might talk with Rodgers frequently, as NFL Media's Tom Pelissero recently revealed, but there's a big difference between being friendly and wanting someone to be your quarterback.
It seems Rodgers would like to go to the Vikings and might be awaiting an offer that will never come. If he wants to be the clear-cut starter, Minnesota presumably can't offer him that unless they have questions about J.J. McCarthy's health or readiness.
NFL insider slams the door on Minnesota Vikings signing former New York Jets and Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers
In addition to sharing the note about O'Connell and Rodgers being friendly during his recent appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show", Pelissero also said any idea that the Vikings are negotiating with Rodgers or actively trying to bring him in is "overstated."
On Friday, CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones added what he's heard concerning Minnesota and Rodgers by sharing a bottom line that cannot be ignored.
"Folks I've talked to believe, if the Vikings wanted Rodgers, he would already be a Minnesota Viking.
They clearly have, of the three teams, the best roster. He would have a solid opportunity to start. It would probably be a short-term proposition, with J.J. McCarthy still on the mend, but being their quarterback the future.
It would also, of course, complete the 'Brett Favre loop' that is incredible for all of the narratives. But it doesn't seem the Vikings, again, if they wanted to sign Aaron Rodgers, I believe that a signing would have already taken place."
Between the Vikings, Giants, and Steelers, Minnesota is the only one of the three teams that has not made a reported offer to Rodgers this offseason.
Unless that changes, that says it all, and Jones's particular insight confirms what we should already know. It takes two to tango, and the Vikings don't really want to dance with the proverbial "devil" that is Rodgers.