Steelers' quarterback situation gets more complicated after unexpected report out of Minnesota

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still patiently awaiting a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is said to be weighing three options. The polarizing figure has drawn the most interest from Pittsburgh and the New York Giants throughout free agency, and he is still deciding what he wants to do with his future. However, the Giants are out of the running now that they've signed Russell Wilson. Retirement is still an option as well, but it is more likely he winds up playing football in 2025. Reports in recent weeks have indicated that Rodgers wants to play with the Vikings, but Minnesota has not shown much interest back.

The Vikings have been an interesting team to follow over the last year. The organization selected its potential franchise quarterback in J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He wound up missing his entire rookie season due to a knee issue, which led to Sam Darnold leading the Vikings to 14 wins and a Pro Bowl nod. Minnesota allowed Darnold to walk in free agency, and he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, which should open the door for McCarthy to enter his second season as the starting quarterback. 

The young quarterback went on the "Up & Adams Show" on Tuesday, where he was asked by Kay Adams how he felt when he found out he was "the guy" in Minnesota.

"Um, they haven't told me," McCarthy said. "I'm happy they didn't because I try to earn it every single day, and I never want that to be given to me. It's such a privilege and an opportunity to give me that chance and I'm just going to make the most of it."

The question from Adams was sparked by the reports that made it seem like the Vikings had zero interest in Rodgers and the odds of the veteran coming to Minnesota were essentially zero. However, McCarthy not yet being told he is the unquestioned starter is a bit bizarre, unless the organization had other plans at the position.

McCarthy has zero NFL experience outside of some preseason action, so it isn't unheard of for a franchise to wait to announce someone as a starter in that situation. However, there was a ton of outside noise about the quarterback situation in Minnesota throughout the 2024 season. Many pundits in the NFL world were wondering whether or not the Vikings should sign Darnold to a long-term deal and consider trading McCarthy. With the way those kinds of rumors and ideas were swirling, one might think the Vikings would want to shut down any external distractions at that position.

The second-year quarterback is still rehabbing his knee injury, and he still hasn't seen a starting-caliber defense at the NFL level. He has plenty of weapons throughout the offense, and head coach Kevin O'Connell is considered a "quarterback whisperer" after he helped revive Darnold's career. All the tools should be there for McCarthy to succeed, so it is a bit concerning and mysterious that the organization has not committed to a plan at quarterback — especially when it rosters a first-round pick from a season ago.

Steelers should still see Minnesota as a potential threat

The Steelers are the front-runners to land Rodgers, though people within the organization reportedly have one major concern about him. However, the Vikings could still swoop in and land him rather easily. It is reportedly his desired destination, so if there is any interest from the other side, it could make things difficult for the Steelers. It is hard to imagine who else could be the starter in Minnesota outside of McCarthy. 

The only other quarterback under contract is Brett Rypien, so the in-house competition is minimal. The franchise would be out of its mind to draft another quarterback as well. The only feasible option would be that the organization is still considering Rodgers, which contradicts a lot of reports from a week ago.