Steelers reunion looms, casting doubt on Vikings' quarterback hopes. Explore the impact on Minnesota's options and future prospects.
Are your hopes increasing for an NFC North reunion with the Minnesota Vikings for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers? It might be good to temper expectations.
According to Mike Pelissero of NFL Network, another reunion could be in the works. Aaron Rodgers and former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy are considering teaming up for another season, this time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That's not great for the Vikings' 2026 outlook as far as having more options at the quarterback position.
Mike Moraitis of The Sporting News gave his thoughts on what the recent news means for the Vikings. Moraitis explained why the Vikings could also be a strong option for Rodgers.
"Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh would be bad news for the Vikings, as the future Hall of Famer would be one of the better options available on the open market.
The veteran signal-caller can step in immediately and provide an upgrade at the position like he did for the Steelers in 2025, and that could very well propel the Vikings back to the playoffs.
On paper, the Vikings would have the advantage over the Steelers if Rodgers does consider Minnesota. The Vikings are a better all-around team and they have more attractive weapons at wide receiver."
Green Bay Packers' David Bakhtiari and Aaron Rodgers leave the field following an overtime loss to Arizona.Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesIf Rodgers opts to choose the Steelers again in 2026, the field of options probably narrows for the Vikings. To what extend is up for debate.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones will presumably be potential targets for the Vikings. If able, the team would probably like to sign Daniel Jones. But again, it's uncertain any of those plans will come to fruition with some of their teams potentially vying to bring them back and the other players likely to command attention from other teams.
Rodgers certainly is not a long-term option. If it's not a last ride situation, it's pretty close. And while the Vikings have had good results with that type of season with Brett Favre in 2009, that doesn't mean it's the best path for them now.
What will be interesting is where the Vikings feel they are best suited to add a player and what type of quarterback they are looking for this offseason. Do they have to settle for a Cousins return or target a player like Derek Carr coming out of retirement?
The next few months will indicate the direction the team wants to go.