Aaron Rodgers has taken for much longer than anticipated to signal with a brand new crew in free company, and the explanation for that has change into apparent in current days.
Rodgers needs to play for the Minnesota Vikings, and the extent of curiosity will not be mutual.
Initially of free company on Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Rodgers had excellent affords to change into the brand new beginning quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers or New York Jets. Neither of these groups have signed a veteran quarterback as Rodgers continues to weigh his choices.
One principle on why Rodgers has been so deliberate along with his choice is that the 41-year-old needs the Vikings to become involved within the bidding. It will not be a bidding struggle that Rodgers is after, nevertheless.
In line with a report on Saturday from Michael Silver, Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Rodgers is “hoping to signal with the Vikings.” Minnesota is strongly contemplating the concept, however head coach Kevin O’Connell has not but determined if he needs to usher in the previous MVP.
The enchantment for Rodgers is apparent. The Vikings are coming off a 14-3 season, and O’Connell is likely one of the greatest offensive minds within the NFL. The final two beginning quarterbacks who performed underneath the coach went on to signal huge contracts with different groups. Despite the fact that he’s properly previous his prime, Rodgers probably feels assured he can succeed underneath O’Connell.
The Vikings let Sam Darnold stroll in free company, indicating they’re prepared to show their crew over to J.J. McCarthy sooner moderately than later. McCarthy, the No. 10 total decide in final yr’s draft, is working his approach again from a torn meniscus he suffered earlier than his rookie season started.
Rodgers feels he may maintain McCarthy off lengthy sufficient in Minnesota. He might even consider he can take the crew additional into the postseason than Darnold did final yr when the Vikings had a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams within the opening spherical.
Some have stated Rodgers is weighing retirement, however that appears unlikely. He might merely have one crew on the high of his want checklist.
