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Aaron Rodgers is running out of options. The former New York Jets quarterback saw yet another opportunity slip away when the Seattle Seahawks traded with the Minnesota Vikings to improve their fifth-round draft position-sending Minnesota one of their spare quarterbacks in the process.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Vikings announced they had traded the 142nd overall pick-the fourth pick in the fifth round-to the Seahawks in exchange for the 172nd overall pick. Minnesota later flipped that pick to the Los Angeles Rams for two sixth-round spots.
But the real bad news for Rodgers? The Vikings also received quarterback Sam Howell in the trade, officially ending any hopes he had of g with Minnesota for the 2025 NFL season.
Rodgers and Minnesota: A door closing
Since his departure from the Jets after two disappointing seasons, Rodgers' name has been linked to nearly every team in need of a quarterback. From the Pittsburgh Steelers to the New York Giants-and the Vikings, of course-the NFL appeared to be full of opportunities for the Super Bowl XLV champion.
However, one by one, those doors shut as teams opted for younger, less controversial quarterbacks. Minnesota was among Rodgers' last realistic landing spots, but Howell's arrival has all but eliminated that possibility.
With this move, the Vikings now have J.J. McCarthy as their starter, while Howell and Brett Rypien will compete for the backup role. Although Minnesota's front office hasn't ruled out adding another quarterback before the preseason, Rodgers remains an unlikely candidate.
Vikings "fired up" about Howell
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah suggested that the team is satisfied with its quarterback room. "If the season started today, we'd be fired up about the guys in that room," Adofo-Mensah said-essentially dismissing any potential move for Rodgers.
Additionally, Adofo-Mensah itted that Howell has been on the Vikings' radar for years. He recalled that the team extensively scouted Howell ahead of the 2022 draft but ultimately ed on him, feeling the risk was too great at the time.
Now, with both Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell more experienced in their roles, they believed the timing was finally right to bring Howell into the fold. And based on their commitment to him, it seems unlikely they'll make room for anyone else-even Aaron Rodgers.