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New rumors swirling could play major factor in J.J. McCarthy's 2025 NFL season

Trent Knoop|
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

When the Minnesota Vikings traded up to select former Michigan star J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft, the expectation was that he was going to become their next franchise quarterback. A preseason meniscus tear ended McCarthy's rookie year and veteran Sam Darnold took the Vikings to the playoffs during his one-year deal.

With the Vikings getting bounced in the first round and Darnold looking subpar in his final two games, many expect Minnesota to go with McCarthy next season while Darnold signs elsewhere on a sizeable deal. But with a new rumor swirling, it could impact the former Wolverine.

Recently, Adam Schefter reported that the New York Jets and former Green Bay legend Aaron Rodgers were parting ways with one another. Guest appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, Schefter hypothetically threw the Vikings' name out when mentioning where Rodgers might play next season.

Schefter believes Rodgers will want to play next season, but will be selective on where he goes. If Darnold ends up leaving Minnesota, could the Vikings bring in the future Hall of Famer?

The Vikings brought in former Green Bay legend Brett Favre years ago and he took Minnesota to the NFC Conference Championship where the Vikings would end up losing to the Saints. But Rodgers hasn't played his best ball the past two seasons with New York. He suffered an early season-ending injury during his first season with the Jets, and this past year, Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on a 5-12 team.

Minnesota could argue allowing McCarthy to sit behind Rodgers for a season, or another veteran, but if McCarthy looks great in the preseason, it would be difficult for Minnesota not to play its future franchise quarterback.

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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