The Minnesota Vikings are hoping to win what should be a competitive NFC North in 2025, but they have one major issue that could prevent that: quarterback depth. After making the decision to enter the year with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy as the starter, the Vikings have spent the last few days searching for an adequate backup.
After an underwhelming preseason from Sam Howell and Max Brosmer, Minnesota traded Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles and signed Carson Wentz to be QB2. Of course, the hope in Minnesota is that McCarthy will stay healthy. Additionally, Wentz as a backup isn't the worst thing, but the Vikings could have had a much better quarterback room.
Early in the offseason, former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was reportedly interested in signing with the Vikings. The interest wasn't mutual, and the Vikings could soon regret that decision.
Vikings may regret not pursuing Aaron Rodgers after signing Carson Wentz
Rodgers reportedly made a pitch to the Vikings to become their short-term solution while helping mentor McCarthy.
"When the four-time MVP reached out to the Vikings, with the idea of making a one-year run at a Lombardi and tying it to being a willing mentor for McCarthy, the team felt it had to listen," Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported in April.
Coming off a 14-3 season, Rodgers could've been the perfect plug-and-play guy for Minnesota to contend for a title. Additionally, the veteran quarterback could've mentored McCarthy, who is only entering year two after suffering a knee injury that took his rookie season from him.
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Everyone would've recognized the Vikings as one of the biggest contenders in the league. Instead, Minnesota chose to go forward with McCarthy. If the young quarterback quickly establishes himself, the Vikings could still be a top contender.
The Vikings had a chance to follow the Packers' philosophy of going all-in with Rodgers while McCarthy learns and develops as the QB2. Instead, they're simply a question mark who is just one snap away from Carson Wentz being the starting quarterback.
Of course, this is all great news for the Packers. Not only is Green Bay hoping for a Vikings regression, but the Packers don't have to face Rodgers twice a year within the division.
Packers fans saw this problem coming.