Aaron Rodgers seemingly wants the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately for the veteran quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings do not want him. At least for now, according to NFL Media, which reported Wednesday that the Vikings are standing by 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy as their signal-caller for 2025.
Specifically, the Vikings have rejected multiple trade inquiries for McCarthy, per Tom Pelissero, “telling other teams they’re moving forward with” the Michigan product as their presumptive starter. Minnesota still plans to add another veteran quarterback, Pelissero reported, but Rodgers isn’t among the options “at this time.”
The Vikings may not be completely ruling out a later exploration of Rodgers, according to ESPN, especially if McCarthy “gets reinjured or [demonstrates] a need for more development time” ahead of training camp.
This comes days after The Athletic reported Vikings decision-makers were discussing the possibility of pursuing Rodgers, who’s reportedly resisted stronger interest from the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers in hopes of the Vikings emerging as a potential destination. Minnesota, meanwhile, only surfaced as a speculated landing spot once 2024 starter Sam Darnold signed elsewhere in free agency.
2025 NFL free agency live tracker: Full list of team-by-team signings and trades from the first week of moves Kyle Stackpole 2025 NFL free agency live tracker: Full list of team-by-team signings and trades from the first week of moves For Rodgers, a Vikings team-up makes sense: Besides the ironic Brett Favre parallels, going from the Green Bay Packers to New York Jets to wearing purple, he would’ve found an enviable setup in Minnesota, where coach Kevin O’Connell and playmakers like Justin Jefferson helped Darnold reach career heights in 2024. The Vikings just invested a top-10 pick in McCarthy, however, and have repeatedly endorsed him as a starting-caliber quarterback despite his missing all of 2024 due to injury.
The Giants and Steelers now register as Rodgers’ other obvious options for 2025, barring a retirement at age 41. Pittsburgh was previously considered a favorite to sign the former NFL MVP.
All indications are Aaron Rodgers is holding out hope the Minnesota Vikings might relive history and, just as they did with Brett Favre years ago, make him the next former Green Bay Packers star to suit up in purple. After discussing the possibility internally, however, the Vikings aren’t interested in granting his wish, with plans to roll with 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy, who sat out his entire rookie season.
So where does that leave Rodgers, who’s already 41 and set to enter his 21st NFL season? There are some remaining quarterback-needy teams, yes, but do any of them register as home run destinations for a former MVP? The Vikings drew Rodgers’ apparent interest for a reason: They were one of the few clubs with quarterback uncertainty and a genuinely attractive infrastructure, boasting both top-tier coaches and playmakers, including star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
Now that they’re seemingly out of the picture, instead preferring to add other veteran insurance for McCarthy, here are Rodgers’ top options for 2025, plus pros and cons for each:
Cleveland Browns Pros: They could still use quarterback help, even after adding Kenny Pickett via trade. Coach Kevin Stefanski is well respected. And they offer solid defensive support. Cons: They’ve recently had one of the NFL’s most dysfunctional offenses and still lack a sturdy line and skill group. They’re squarely in rebuild mode and could draft a signal-caller early as a result. Chances of Rodgers signing: Very low
Tennessee Titans Pros: The Titans have other proven veterans in the lineup, including Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley. Coach Brian Callahan could use experience under center. And the AFC South is always wide open. Cons: Tennessee is set up to use the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft on a quarterback of the present and future. New management probably prefers to just go that route rather than prioritize an aging rental. Chances of Rodgers signing: Low
Minnesota Vikings Pros: This would pretty much be a dream destination for Rodgers, from the elite coaching to fortified O-line to proven playmakers, including Justin Jefferson. Joining Minnesota also wouldn’t necessarily derail — just delay — the team’s long-term plans for J.J. McCarthy, who’s coming off knee surgeries anyway. Cons: Unlike a lesser free agent, Rodgers’ profile would make him the new face of the team, effectively postponing any McCarthy growth until 2026. It’d be uncharacteristic for the forward-thinking Vikings, who drafted McCarthy and took a flyer on Sam Darnold in part to offset years of paying big money to an aging quarterback. In other words, Rodgers needs the Vikings more than they need him. Chances of Rodgers signing: Low
New York Giants Pros: Rodgers is already familiar with New Jersey after two seasons with the New York Jets. Maligned Giants brass is motivated to win now. And Malik Nabers is an electric No. 1 receiving option. Cons: Staying on MetLife Stadium turf just to go from one bad New York team to another isn’t exactly a dream sendoff. The offensive line is still iffy. The team’s decision-makers are under immense pressure. Chances of Rodgers signing: Mild
2025 NFL free agency team-by-team grades: Vikings, Patriots, Commanders among top marks after first few days Tyler Sullivan 2025 NFL free agency team-by-team grades: Vikings, Patriots, Commanders among top marks after first few days
Retirement Pros: Rodgers doesn’t have a clear path to a full-time gig with a guaranteed contender. Calling it a career might prevent further muddying of his Hall of Fame legacy as a Packers icon. Cons: This might be Rodgers’ last shot to enter an NFL season with a starting job, which is something only 32 people possess in a given year. And he’s still got an NFL-caliber arm. Chances of Rodgers retiring: Decent
Pittsburgh Steelers Pros: Under Mike Tomlin, the Steelers are almost always in playoff contention. DK Metcalf’s arrival gives them two Grade-A pass catchers. Pittsburgh could be “all in” on a short-term veteran solution. Cons: Metcalf and George Pickens can be volatile. The Steelers operate an old-school offense, often to a fault. And getting over the wild-card hump would require outlasting the tough AFC North. Chances of Rodgers signing: High
There’s never been a better time to be an elite pass rusher. The top end of the edge rusher market has rapidly increased in the little over a month since Super Bowl LIX was played.
Nick Bosa was the only edge rusher with a contract averaging at least $30 million per year when the offseason began. The five-year, $170 million contract extension, averaging $34 million per year, Bosa received from the San Francisco 49ers right before the start of the 2023 regular season made him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback. The deal had $122.5 million in overall guarantees and $88 million was fully guaranteed at signing, which were both records for a non-quarterback.
Bosa had slipped into a tie as the league’s second-highest-paid non-quarterback at $34 million per year last September when Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb received a four-year, $136 million-per-year extension. The 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year had previously been replaced as the salary standard bearer for non-quarterbacks by Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson last June. Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million extension, averaging $35 million per year with $110 million in guarantees, of which $88.743 million was fully guaranteed at signing. The $88.743 million was the most ever fully guaranteed at signing for a non-quarterback.
The movement at the top of the edge rusher market is just getting started. By the time the 2025 regular season starts, Bosa might not be among the league’s five highest-paid edge rushers.
Ranking NFC teams after first wave of NFL free agency: Eagles on top despite losses, Lions, Commanders behind Jeff Kerr Ranking NFC teams after first wave of NFL free agency: Eagles on top despite losses, Lions, Commanders behind The Las Vegas Raiders got the edge rusher ball rolling by signing Maxx Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension, averaging $35.5 million per year, in early March. The four-time Pro Bowler has $91 million in guarantees where $62.5 million was fully guaranteed at signing.
The ink was barely dry on Crosby’s deal when Myles Garrett, a perennial first-team All-Pro, became the NFL’s first $40 million-per-year non-quarterback less than a week later. Garrett, who had previously requested a trade in February during Super Bowl week because he wanted to play for a championship contender, was given an offer he couldn’t refuse to stay with the Cleveland Browns. The 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year signed a four-year, $160 million extension running through the 2030 season. Garrett’s deal has non-quarterback records of $123,596,125 in overall guarantees and $88.8 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Garrett’s reign at the top of the NFL’s non-quarterback salary hierarchy was about as short-lived as Crosby’s. The Cincinnati Bengals made good on Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin’s public pledge that wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who won the receiving triple crown in 2024 by leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches, would become the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback. Chase agreed to a four-year, $161 million extension, averaging $40.25 million per year with $112 million of guarantees, one week after Garrett got his deal.
player headshot team logo Trey Hendrickson CIN • DE • #91 View Profile Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow campaigned through the media for the Bengals to do whatever was necessary for Chase, tight end Mike Gesicki, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and wide receiver Tee Higgins to remain in Cincinnati long term. Hendrickson’s situation is the only one that needs to be resolved as Burrow has gotten his wish with everyone else.
Hendrickson is underpaid. He signed a four-year, $60 million contract, averaging $15 million per year in 2021 free agency, to join the Bengals. Hendrickson was given a one-year extension worth $21 million in July 2023 at the start of training camp, although he had two years remaining on his deal since he had outperformed his contract.
The four-time Pro Bowler made a trade request last offseason since the Bengals weren’t going to address his contract for a second straight year. He is scheduled to make $16 million in 2025, which is his contract year, on an $18,666,668 cap number.
Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks and tied for the league lead with 83 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus in 2024. He is the fourth player in NFL history to ever have consecutive seasons with 17.5 or more sacks. The others are Mark Gastineau, Reggie White and J.J. Watt.
Hendrickson gave the Bengals a pay-me-or-trade-me ultimatum earlier this offseason. He was granted permission to seek a trade one day after Crosby signed suggesting that the Bengals weren’t comfortable with a comparable deal. The Bengals have been rumored to be looking for more than a first-round pick in return for Hendrickson.
After just simultaneously signing Chase and Higgins, the Bengals and Hendrickson have reportedly resumed negotiations. It seems a bit contradictory to have such a high price to part ways with Hendrickson yet balk at paying the going rate for a pass rusher of his caliber.
The NFL’s five highest-paid edge rushers signed contracts totaling $718.75 million for 22 years to average $32,670,454 per year. This number could be a relevant salary benchmark in contract discussions. It wouldn’t be surprising if Hendrickson increased his financial demands after the Garrett deal to where he views Bosa’s $34 million per year as his salary floor.
The Bengals may not be comfortable extending Hendrickson’s contract more than two years because he turned 30 in December. Hendrickson isn’t showing any signs of slowing down though. His 35 sacks over the last two seasons are easily the NFL’s most during this span.
player headshot team logo Micah Parsons DAL • LB • #11 View Profile Micah Parsons, who is scheduled to make a fully guaranteed $24.007 million in 2025 on his fifth-year option, has been talking about a new deal with the Dallas Cowboys since late in the 2024 season. The 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year has made some comments that could undercut his leverage. Parsons opened the door to giving a hometown discount and seemed to take a potential holdout off the table if there isn’t a deal done in a timely manner. He also recognizes that his views probably don’t sit too well with his agent, Athletes First’s David Mulugheta.
As long as Mulugheta is allowed do to his job the way he sees fit, Parsons should become the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback. Parsons has 52.5 sacks in four NFL seasons. He is one of just two players to ever record at least 12 sacks in each of his first four campaigns. The other person in this exclusive club is White, who is arguably the greatest defensive player in NFL history.
An important data point for Mulugheta could be adjusting Bosa’s contract for salary cap inflation. The salary cap has increased by 24.2% since Bosa signed. His deal is a little more than $42.225 million per year when factoring in salary cap growth.
Parsons’ inclination against holding out will be put to the test if last year is any indication. The Cowboys dragged their feet on signing Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott to new contracts. Lamb didn’t get his new deal until August during the latter part of the preseason. Prescott’s four-year, $240 million extension to become the NFL’s first and only $60 million-per-year player didn’t come until September hours before Dallas’ regular-season opener.
