Former NFL Head Coach Predicts Aaron Rodgers' Next Team

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Former NFL Head Coach Predicts Aaron Rodgers' Next Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Mar 18, 2025 12:06 PM ET

The NFL world cotinues to wait as quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to make his free agency decision over a week since the legal tampering period began.

There's been much speculation on who he will eventually land with and one person to make a prediction is former NFL head coach Jay Gruden, who revealed his pick on the "Clean Pocket - Jay Gruden & Colt McCoy," YouTube channel.

“I think Aaron Rodgers goes to Minnesota for a year,” he said . “Maybe a year or two contract. J.J. McCarthy is their guy, I understand that people that say ‘don’t bring Aaron he’s toxic.” No, he’s not, he’s a good quarterback. It gives J.J. McCarthy a little bit more time to recover from his injury, watch a professional play. I think it would be a great move for him.”

Gruden's reasoning being centered much around McCarthy makes sense, because even though he did sit behind Sam Darnold in 2024, his development was stunted by a season ending menisus tear in his right knee that required surgery in August 2024.

Rodgers taking over would also elevate some pressure on McCarthy to try and replicate the team's same success last season after going 14-3 and making a playoff appearance.

For the Vikings, Rodgers could also prove to be the best option for right now after still producing good numbers for the New York Jets in 2024, completing 368-of-584 passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 90.5 passer rating.

With that being said, it now seems up to Minnesota to either commit or back away from the veteran quarterback, with Michael Silver, Dianna Russini and Alec Lewis of The Athletic reporting that Rodgers is "hoping to sign with the Vikings."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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