It can’t happen, right?
Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain future remains a fascinating storyline as the NFL calendar reaches free agency. What’s new?
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn wasted no time parting ways with the four-time MVP this offseason, leaving Rodgers in the dark about his future (there’s a darkness retreat pun in there somewhere)
At one stage, all signs pointed to Rodgers joining Sean McVay’s offense in Los Angeles, but Matthew Stafford closed that door after reworking his contract.
The New York Giants have emerged as a potential landing spot, but just when it felt like Rodgers had finally broken free of the Brett Favre career arc, the Minnesota Vikings’ name has arisen as a possible destination.
The Vikings could lose free agent Sam Darnold, with the Seattle Seahawks reportedly stepping up their interest after trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. According to various reports, Rodgers is now an option for the Vikings.
That alone doesn’t feel right from a Packers fan perspective, especially as Rodgers witnessed Brett Favre’s ugly return to Lambeau Field while wearing Vikings colors.
Unfortunately, this story could end far, far worse for the Packers.
Aaron Rodgers joining Vikings could create a nightmare Davante Adams scenario for the Packers
Lost in all of the Rodgers-to-Vikings talk is Davante Adams’ future. The Jets released the All-Pro wide receiver before free agency, giving him the freedom to choose his next destination. Presumably, there’s a strong chance he follows Rodgers wherever he goes.
What if that destination is Minnesota?
Adams could join Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson to form an unstoppable pass-catching group.
To make matters worse, the Vikings could re-sign Aaron Jones and reunite the Packers’ best QB-RB-WR trio in recent memory.
It would also crush the Packers’ hopes of bringing back Adams and giving Jordan Love the top target he needs. Green Bay needs a receiver who can regularly beat man coverage, and few do that as effectively as Adams.
While it’s not yet time to hit panic buttons, Rodgers and Adams reuniting in Minnesota is no longer the stuff of nightmares, but a feasible reality. Several moving parts must fall into place, of course, including mutual interest between Rodgers and the Vikings, which is hardly guaranteed. But it feels closer than ever.
Various reports, including this one from NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, indicate that Minnesota could pivot to Rodgers if it can’t re-sign Daniel Jones (imagine reading that sentence three years ago).
It’s a wild thought to think about, especially considering the heated rivalry between the two teams — a Minnesota newspaper once named Rodgers suffering a broken collarbone as one of the decade’s best sporting moments.
But if we live in a world where Aaron Rodgers can join the Vikings, it’s certainly possible that Adams could follow him.