Aaron Rodgers has been repeatedly linked to the New York Giants as the official start of NFL free agency approaches, but a new team may enter the picture following Friday's blockbuster quarterback trade.
Geno Smith was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday night in exchange for a third-round pick. There have since been multiple reports that the Seahawks will try to sign Sam Darnold as a replacement for Smith.
With a new suitor emerging for Darnold, the 27-year-old is less likely to return to the Minnesota Vikings. Could that create a potential opportunity for Rodgers?
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Sunday that the Vikings are "a dark horse" to sign Rodgers.
The Vikings chose not to place the franchise tag on Darnold, which would have paid him around $40M in 2025. Minnesota remains committed to J.J. McCarthy, who is making his way back from a knee injury he suffered in the preseason last year.
It is unclear whether the Vikings want McCarthy to start next season. If they are not comfortable with the former Michigan star taking over just yet, Rodgers might make sense as a potential bridge quarterback.
The idea of playing for the Vikings might also appeal to Rodgers. The team went 14-3 last season and is a lot closer to championship contention than the Giants, who reportedly have serious interest in Rodgers.
Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions with the New York Jets last season. He is mostly a shell of his former MVP self, but he might be a sensible option for the Vikings if McCarthy needs more time to develop.
