Vikings' Kevin O’Connell was reportedly ready to make Aaron Rodgers, J.J. McCarthy decision in 2025

Months before quarterback Aaron Rodgers put pen to paper on a team-friendly contract to join the Pittsburgh Steelers in June 2025, he flirted with a Minnesota Vikings team that didn't know what 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy would be coming off the full meniscus repair that sidelined him for all of his rookie season. 

Rodgers has been close with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell for years. On Monday, Matthew Berry of NBC Sports shared that he heard during this year's NFL Scouting Combine that O'Connell basically wanted McCarthy to spend his second pro season sitting behind and learning from the future Hall of Famer.

Aaron Rodgers once again on Vikings' radar amid uncertainty about J.J. McCarthy?

"I heard that LAST YEAR coach Kevin O’Connell wanted Aaron Rodgers (and Rodgers was interested in Minnesota) but that the overall Vikings organization was not on board, so obviously, Rodgers went to Pittsburgh and the Vikings went with McCarthy," Berry wrote. "With organizational changes to the Vikings front office, Rodgers is once again on the Vikings radar, but again, this will be a full team decision if they decide to pursue him." 

Berry was referencing how the Vikings surprisingly fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January. Meanwhile, ESPN's Kevin Seifert suggested that O'Connell will have more personnel power within the Vikings this offseason. That could lead one to believe that O’Connell won't be overruled regarding his wishes for his quarterback situation. 

As for McCarthy, multiple reports have surfaced this offseason detailing concerns the Vikings have about the 23-year-old who thus far has been limited to just 10 career regular-season starts due to injuries. However, it was said as recently as Monday that the Steelers "think Rodgers is going to return" and play for them this year. 

It appears Berry heard the same information. 

What is "the current expectation" for Aaron Rodgers' offseason plans? 

"The current expectation is that if he comes back, it would be to return to Pittsburgh," Berry added about Rodgers.  

Of course, history shows the only thing for sure about Rodgers is that nothing is for sure until he inks a contract. Perhaps he has reason to believe there's a chance the Vikings will sign him.