Stop me if you've heard this before.
Aaron Rodgers is non-committal on his NFL future and needs time to make his decision. Does that bring back memories? It's not all on Rodgers, as he needs the New York Jets to hire a new head coach and general manager, but he has given no clear indication either way.
The Jets have made a head coach decision, hiring former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Rodgers has yet to officially announce his intention to play or retire. If he returns for a 21st season in the NFL, he must also figure out where to play. Returning to New York is one option if Glenn and the new regime want the four-time MVP back. If not, Rodgers may have limited options, as he would want a chance to win a Super Bowl.
There is one team that could make sense, but it's the most painful landing spot of all.
Bleacher Report names the Vikings as the 'best landing' spot for Aaron Rodgers in 2025
Time is a flat circle, and Rodgers following the Brett Favre career timeline is scary. Like Favre, he watched the Packers draft his replacement, and three years later, they traded him to the Jets.
Favre's time in New York didn't go much better than Rodgers', and he soon moved to Minnesota. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes the Vikings present the best landing spot for Rodgers this offseason.
"The Vikings theoretically could have an opening if they part with both (Sam) Darnold and (Daniel) Jones while deciding that (J.J.) McCarthy needs another year as an understudy. Minnesota has a strong enough offensive cast to support Rodgers, while the veteran has stated that he's open to mentoring a young quarterback," writes Knox.
The painful part is that Knox makes good points.
There's a good chance the Vikings will move on from Darnold, who is a free agent, especially after saving his two worst performances for the team's biggest games of the season.
They may feel the time is right to hand the keys to McCarthy, who missed his rookie year due to injury. But what if they don't feel he's ready? Minnesota went 14-3 and, with better quarterback play, could compete for a Super Bowl in 2025.
Rodgers battled various injuries this season but proved he can still play. He produced a vintage performance in the Jets' season finale, throwing for 274 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in a win over the Miami Dolphins.
Put him in an offense with Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones (assuming the Vikings re-sign him), Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson, and the Vikings could level up.
There's more to it, of course. Even if the Vikings were all-in on making it happen, would Rodgers really follow in Favre's footsteps and go to Minnesota? Rodgers saw firsthand how Packers fans reacted to that. He cares about his Packers legacy and wouldn't want to tarnish it. Rodgers still talks about the team fondly and takes any opportunity to roast the Bears.
Can we rule it out? No. Anything can happen. If Rodgers feels a move to Minnesota gives him a realistic shot at a second Super Bowl ring, it would make sense. But how would Packers fans feel if Rodgers retired with two championships, but one was with the Vikings?
Rodgers knows the answer to that, which is why it's unlikely he would make the move. But there's no denying Minnesota would be among the best landing spots should he decide to play in 2025.