Vikings out on Aaron Rodgers as Giants, Steelers remain

The Vikings have removed themselves from the Aaron Rodgers sweepstakes.

NFL Network reported Wednesday that Minnesota is “not pursuing” the four-time league MVP “at this time” and intends to move forward with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the team’s 10th overall pick last year who missed his rookie season while recovering from knee surgery.

The quarterback-needy Giants and Steelers are still pursuing Rodgers, who was released by the Jets this offseason after two unremarkable years.

The former Packer hoped to sign with Green Bay’s division rival, The Athletic reported last week, noting the call would ultimately lie with head coach Kevin O’Connell.

O’Connell, the reigning Coach of the Year, is coming off a 14-3 season that saw Sam Darnold play the best football of his career.

3 Aaron Rodgers has not yet decided on a new team in free agency. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The ex-Jet departed for the Seahawks in free agency on a three-year, $100.5 million deal. Daniel Jones also left Minnesota for a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts.

The Vikings, who “rejected multiple trade calls” on McCarthy, 22, want to add depth with a veteran signal-caller as a backup to the former Michigan product, according to NFL Network.

Rodgers does not fit that profile.

3 J.J. McCarthy was the Vikings’ 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Getty Images

With the Vikings moving on, perhaps a Rodgers resolution is coming soon.

The quarterback dominos have continued to fall even as the Giants and Steelers remain in limbo.

Matthew Stafford stayed with the Rams, the Seahawks sent Geno Smith to the Raiders and then pivoted to Darnold, while the Steelers saw Justin Fields leave for the Jets on a two-year, $40 million deal.

Beyond Rodgers, there are several other veterans on the Giants’ radar.

Russell Wilson visited both the Browns and Giants, while Big Blue hosted Jameis Winston and Joe Flacco in recent weeks.

3 The four-time league MVP spent the past two seasons with the Jets. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The Steelers have since re-signed longtime backup Mason Rudolph, who spent the last year with the Titans.

Rodgers is coming off a 17-game season in which he completed 63 percent of his passes and threw 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

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