Adam Schefter explains how Vikings signing Aaron Rodgers would impact J.J. McCarthy's future

There’s a ripple effect if the Minnesota Vikings sign Aaron Rodgers and it immediately impacts J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings seem ready to turn over the keys to the 2024 first round pick out of Michigan.

Now that they let Sam Darnold walk and let McCarthy heal from a meniscus injury, McCarthy is the next man up. But it’s been no secret Minnesota’s had conversations with Rodgers coming in for at least the 2025 campaign.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said it may signal McCarthy’s future with the team could be in jeopardy, should he ride the bench another year. But that was more so an educated guess as far as feelings are concerned within the Vikings QB room.

“Of they were to sign Aaron Rodgers, and this is why they’ve punted on it so far, it would bring a whole other set of logistical issues,” Schefter said on Get Up. “We don’t know what would happen with JJ McCarthy. We don’t know exactly how signing Aaron Rodgers would sit with him, but my initial guess would be that would not be what he prefers, and the organization has been looking for somebody to challenge him, but not necessarily threaten him. 

“And signing Aaron Rodgers absolutely would threaten his job, which would lead to questions  about (McCarthy’s_ future, because we don’t know what he would do. It’s possible that he could ask to be traded if they sign Aaron Rodgers, and I can tell you this, there will be other quarterback needy teams that would be waiting to reach out to the moment they sign Aaron Rodgers: ‘What can we give you for JJ McCarthy?’” 

McCarthy helped Michigan win a national title during the 2023-24 season and was a first round pick by the Vikings. He had a chance to start last season, but an injury in the preseason, followed by Darnold’s breakout year, allowed him to learn from the sideline.

“That’s why they’ve been very careful to treat this subject very delicately,” Schefter said regarding Rodgers. “But they also haven’t dismissed it yet, and Aaron Rodgers hasn’t done anything yet. So it just kind of sits out there … nothing’s changed here. As we said all along, the Vikings have been monitoring Aaron Rodgers. They’re aware of his situation. Aaron Rodgers is aware of the Vikings’ situation, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are also waiting.”

Rodgers seemingly has one or two years left in his career. McCarthy is just getting started and Minnesota will continue to weigh its options ahead of the NFL Draft.