Steelers Now
The matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings on Sunday will represent a case of what is versus what could have been for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
This summer, when Rodgers was a free agent, Pittsburgh and Minnesota were two of the most-talked about destinations for the former four-time MVP, and Rodgers very well could have preferred to play in Minnesota.
According to a report by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on Thursday, that was indeed the case for Rodgers, who has a longtime relationship with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“It’s my understanding that Aaron Rodgers wanted to play for the Vikings,” Florio said during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday.
While the Steelers were steadfast in their pursuit of Rodgers, the Vikings were always a more-awkward fit, with Minnesota committing to playing 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy this season. Yes, McCarthy was coming off an injury, but it seemed like the Vikings were looking for a backup more than they were looking for a starter.
Asked about the situation on Wednesday, Rodgers said that talks never progressed between him and the Vikings, despite his relationship with the Minnesota head coach.
“Kevin and I have been friends since 2008,” Rodgers said. “We used to work out together at a little place called Fitness Quest 10 out in North County San Diego. So, I’ve known him forever. We’ve been friends forever, and we keep in touch. He’s one of the guys I keep in touch with. Things never progressed farther than catch up conversations. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Long after the Steelers signed Rodgers on June 9, the Vikings decided to sign 32-year-old former Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Carson Wentz to be McCarthy’s backup, instead.
Wentz, who has backed up for Matt Stafford and Patrick Mahomes the last two years, was seemingly more comfortable taking on that kind of role, but after a significant injury for McCarthy in Week 2, he now has the reins in Minnesota, setting up a battle between veteran quarterbacks — and also a glimpse at what might have been for Rodgers.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Aaron Rodgers Will Get Glimpse of What Could Have Been with Vikings
