Steelers Likely Losing Ground With Aaron Rodgers As Vikings Appear To Be New Favorite Landing Spot

The Pittsburgh Steelers are engaged in a waiting game for quarterback Aaron Rodgers along with the New York Giants. Earlier this week, it appeared that the teams, who reportedly both made offers to Rodgers, were waiting for him to decide. Then, the Minnesota Vikings entered the conversation, and the dynamic shifted. The Vikings selected JJ McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, McCarthy missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus, and now the Vikings have to decide how to move forward. 

According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, who joined The PM Team w/Poni and Mueller on 93.7 The Fan, the unfortunate part is that Rodgers has all the leverage. While the Steelers could potentially reunite with Russell Wilson, he is also speaking to other teams. Show co-host Andrew Fillipponi asked Russini if she felt Minnesota was Rodgers' preferred destination. 

"I think that's the sense right now," said Russini. "We know he's taking his time. We know the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants are waiting, and they have offers out there. They've had conversations and discussions, but I think for him playing for Kevin O'Connell, playing for that Vikings team is something that interests him. The problem is the Vikings haven't come to a decision."

She added that there are many hoops to jump through before they make Rodgers an offer. She feels the Vikings are leaning toward Rodgers because they want to win a Super Bowl. They finished 14-3 in 2024 and have made significant moves to boost their offensive and defensive lines. As Russini put it, no one cares if you win a Super Bowl with the player you drafted; teams just want to win. 

However, not everyone in the Vikings organization is happy about Rodgers potentially joining them. Rodgers and Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell have a good relationship, and Russini suspects they are in contact with each other privately. She added that the buck stops with O'Connell, so they will likely sign him if he wants him. That leaves the question of how to handle McCarthy. 

"They've got JJ McCarthy there," added Russini. "They moved up to get him. He's the future. They feel great about him. He's obviously injured, though. At least he's coming off this. So, time-wise, where does he look health-wise? When will he be ready to go? This is not as clean as Minnesota would like because how do you manage JJ McCarthy? You don't want to mess with the mental side and have him sit another year."

The Vikings want McCarthy to play and gain experience, but it is hard to imagine them sitting Rodgers. She said they must consider what happens if Rodgers plays at a very high level and what that means for McCarthy's ego and development. 

If Minnesota backs out, Russini feels Pittsburgh seems like the clear favorite between the Steelers and the Giants, calling it a no-brainer. The Steelers just have a much better team and Rodgers needs a coach like Mike Tomlin. The Super Bowl-winning coach is famous for saying he wants "volunteers, not hostages," but Russini acknowledged both teams feel they are at Rodgers' mercy.

The Steelers Are Left Wondering

Everyone wonders how long Pittsburgh will wait and who else they could consider. Russini said that she doesn't expect a resolution anytime soon. There is no sense of urgency from the Vikings or Rodgers; no one seems in a hurry. 

As for other possibilities, she didn't mention Wilson, suggesting they might contact the Atlanta Falcons about obtaining Kirk Cousins. The veteran quarterback was stunned last year when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. and has gone on record saying he wants to start. 

The only other option she suggested was hoping that Jaxson Dart falls to them at 21 in the upcoming draft. The Steelers did like Dart a lot, and many insiders feel they could consider a quarterback this year. 

Where do you think Rodgers will end up? Tell us what you think below!

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