‘Hate’ is so strong for Aaron Rodgers that Vikings fans are questioning everything they thought they knew. But yes, the reality is Rodgers—Green Bay Packers legend, four-time MVP, noted Minnesota villain—may end up in purple and gold. And just like that, JJ McCarthy—the Vikings’ supposed quarterback of the future. All of a sudden is wondering that his moment might not come just yet.

The Rodgers free agency drama just keeps dragging—it appeared that the Steelers had him all locked in, but NO. The man even spent six hours at their facility. Still, no ink on the paper yet. Why? Because Aaron Rodgers might be waiting on the Vikings.

Dianna Russini (@DMRussini), Senior NFL insider for The Athletic, confirmed that Aaron Rodgers is likely to sign a deal with the Vikings and not the Steelers. She dropped the bomb on her Scoop City podcast, saying that Vikings fans might need to start “coming to grips” with the reality of Rodgers in purple. “They need to see it… there is a world that exists this year where Aaron Rodgers hangs out and the Minnesota Vikings pick up the phone and they make the call. It could happen.”

And the reason she is saying that— is because there are fans who are resisting the idea of Rodgers playing for the Vikings. So, she laid it out clearly—“whether it’s their hate for Aaron Rodgers, whether it’s they feel that JJ is not getting a fair shake, whatever the reason is for why some Vikings fans don’t wanna see Aaron Rodgers, they have to come to grips.”

But why would Rodgers pick the Vikings over the Steelers? Simple—the roster. The pick is not about the preference, it’s about opportunity. The Vikings went 14-3 last season, even though they had Sam Darnold as their QB. That alone explains why they need some more strength in their roster. Their offense is stacked with playmakers, from Justin Jefferson torching secondaries to a backfield that can keep defenses honest. And defensively? They’re more than capable of holding their own.

However, Minnesota isn’t in a hurry. They’ve got JJ McCarthy, their “supposed” future QB1. The front office is playing it cool, telling the world they believe in McCarthy. Yet, if they get a shot at Rodgers, can they really resist? Because in the end, “supposedly” doesn’t win you games in 2025.

Aaron Rodgers vs. JJ McCarthy: QB1 dream?Not so fast

JJ McCarthy was drafted by the Vikings as the future face of the franchise. But the weird part is—he hasn’t been named the starter yet. And McCarthy claims—I’m okay, it doesn’t hurt. He admitted on the Up & Adams Show, “They haven’t told me. And I’m happy they didn’t, because I try to earn it every single day.”

Adore the positive attitude, but let’s not pretend that this is an ideal situation for him. As the Vikings let Sam Darnold walk away. McCarthy should theoretically be next in line; the fact that they haven’t outright named him the starter speaks volumes. Wouldn’t the front office be promoting him as the undisputed quarterback if they really thought he was the one? The door is left open instead, just wide enough for Aaron Rodgers to pass through.

McCarthy has received recognition for his leadership abilities, football acumen, and openness to learning. Let’s face it, though: no rookie who was selected as the future face wants to sit behind a 40-year-old great. This is a young, first-round quarterback who might have to watch a long-time opponent walk in and take his place; it’s not Patrick Mahomes sitting behind Alex Smith.

But McCarthy’s waiting period has been prolonged like a nasty flight delay if the Vikings make a bid for Rodgers. Additionally, it gets more difficult for him to demonstrate his readiness when the team hands him the keys the longer he sits. The division among fans over McCarthy vs. Rodgers will only deepen, and all of a sudden, McCarthy is battling not just for his first start but also for the franchise’s confidence.