Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell interacts with Sam Darnold #14
Could Aaron Rodgers Really End Up in Minnesota? Oddsmakers Say There’s a Chance
The Minnesota Vikings are in the market for a veteran quarterback, but few expected Aaron Rodgers to be on their radar. Yet, according to oddsmakers, the Vikings have a legitimate shot at landing the four-time MVP, adding another layer of intrigue to their ongoing quarterback search.
Vikings Searching for Veteran Insurance
After selecting J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Vikings need a veteran presence to ease his transition to the league. They had hoped Sam Darnold would be that option, but with free agency approaching, his return is uncertain.
Enter Rodgers, whose future with the New York Jets is in doubt following their disastrous 5-12 season and the subsequent firing of their head coach and general manager. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer recently reported that the Jets are preparing to move on from Rodgers, making him available to sign with any team after June 1—if he decides to continue playing.
Oddsmakers See Minnesota as a Potential Landing Spot
DraftKings Sportsbook has given the Vikings the fourth-best odds (+400) to land Rodgers, equating to an implied 20% probability. The Pittsburgh Steelers (+200) are the favorites, followed by the Las Vegas Raiders (+300) and San Francisco 49ers (+350). Minnesota is the last team in the top tier of favorites before odds drop significantly to the next group, which includes the Indianapolis Colts (+650), Los Angeles Rams (+850), Tennessee Titans (+850), and New York Giants (+1200).
Interestingly, Rodgers’ odds of joining the Vikings aren’t far off from Darnold’s chances of returning. According to Bet365, Darnold has a 23.5% probability (+325 odds) of re-signing with Minnesota, trailing only the Raiders (+200) and Steelers (+250). While neither scenario is a certainty, oddsmakers suggest the Vikings could be considering both options.
The Rodgers-Favre Prophecy: History Repeating Itself?
The idea of Rodgers following Brett Favre’s footsteps from Green Bay to Minnesota is nothing new, but recent developments have reignited the conversation.
When Favre joined the Vikings in 2009, many fans were skeptical, but his six-game winning streak to start the season and an NFC Championship appearance quickly erased those doubts. Rodgers, now 41 years old, could face a similar reception—initial resistance from the fanbase followed by acceptance if he delivers success.
However, the situation in Minnesota would be vastly different from what Rodgers encountered in New York. In Kevin O’Connell’s system, he would need to adapt and play within a structured offense, rather than wielding full control as he did with the Packers and Jets. If he embraced that change, Rodgers could mentor McCarthy while leading a playoff-caliber roster.
Is Rodgers to Minnesota Realistic?
Rodgers’ availability and the Vikings’ quarterback needs make this an intriguing possibility, but it remains a longshot. Minnesota may prefer a veteran quarterback who better fits their system and carries less media baggage. That said, if history has taught us anything, it’s to never rule out the possibility of a Packers legend donning purple and gold.
With free agency and the offseason quarterback carousel just beginning, the Vikings’ next move under center remains uncertain. Whether it’s Rodgers, Darnold, or another veteran, the team must find the right balance between competing now and developing McCarthy for the future.
